BACKGROUND: There is a recent trend in the social sciences--predominantly among researchers engaged with qualitative methodologies--to translate research finding into artistic and narrative forms. In this paper, we describe our work in translating finding about the experiences of men with prostate cancer and their spouses into a dramatic production, No Big Deal? We then report upon, and provide commentary about data from interviews with health professionals who attended a performance. METHODS: Health professionals (N = 26) were interviewed within 2 weeks of attending a performance of No Big Deal? and again 6 months later (N = 23). RESULTS: After attendance at the performance, many study participants reported (at both interview times): new awareness or understanding about the issues facing prostate cancer patients; reinforcements of their positive attitudes and behaviors in relation to patients; an increased sense of connection with ill people; and plans to alter their clinical practices to better meet patient needs. CONCLUSIONS: Narrative and dramatic forms are viable ways to communicate vital information about the possibilities for professionals to be helpful to patients--and they are the wave of the future for educational and dissemination practices.
BACKGROUND: There is a recent trend in the social sciences--predominantly among researchers engaged with qualitative methodologies--to translate research finding into artistic and narrative forms. In this paper, we describe our work in translating finding about the experiences of men with prostate cancer and their spouses into a dramatic production, No Big Deal? We then report upon, and provide commentary about data from interviews with health professionals who attended a performance. METHODS: Health professionals (N = 26) were interviewed within 2 weeks of attending a performance of No Big Deal? and again 6 months later (N = 23). RESULTS: After attendance at the performance, many study participants reported (at both interview times): new awareness or understanding about the issues facing prostate cancerpatients; reinforcements of their positive attitudes and behaviors in relation to patients; an increased sense of connection with ill people; and plans to alter their clinical practices to better meet patient needs. CONCLUSIONS: Narrative and dramatic forms are viable ways to communicate vital information about the possibilities for professionals to be helpful to patients--and they are the wave of the future for educational and dissemination practices.
Authors: Jonathan N Livingston; Nina P Smith; Catherine Mills; Dorothy M Singleton; Karen Dacons-Brock; Ricardo Richardson; Delores Grant; Howard Craft; Ken Harewood Journal: J Cancer Educ Date: 2009 Impact factor: 2.037
Authors: Pia C Kontos; Karen-Lee Miller; Julie E Gilbert; Gail J Mitchell; Angela Colantonio; Michelle L Keightley; Cheryl Cott Journal: Qual Health Res Date: 2012-08-30