Research Methods
We interviewed women inpatients three times over one year. We introduced photovoice as a method to be applied by the women prior to being interviewed.
In parallel, reports were submitted by staff members responsible for varied functions every three months (e.g. occupational therapy; psychological intervention, psychiatrists leading shared decision making focused on medication, peer support workers, social work).
We developed an advisory panel of people with similar experiences who had research knowledge.
Favourable ethical opinion
Favourable ethical approval was obtained through UK National Health Service Integrated Research Application System (project id 327734). Both service users and reporting service providers were provided with an information sheet and asked to give signed consent to participate in the study. The consent process was facilitated by an independent staff member, not attached to the ward but available on site, to prevent any conflict of interest. All data was stored under the pseudonym chosen by each participant on the university-based server. Any photos and quotations included from the interviews, reported in any presentations or articles, were presented under the pseudonyms chosen by the women.
Using Photovoice
Photovoice is a powerful qualitative research method that combines photos and accompanying words generated by participants. The photovoice method supported by the self-reporting interviews enabled service users to actively contribute to the evaluation of ward changes. The application of photovoice enables reflection not limited to words, signifying participation as a change agent.
Training provided to participants
Potential women participants/inpatients were initially invited to training about the use of Photovoice (30) and received further information about study participation. The training was offered in two face-to-face meetings and was well attended by women, and several staff members were present too. Participants were trained to apply the necessary ethical guidelines in taking the photos (e.g choosing a pseudonym, consent signed if another person was included in the photo). In parallel we had several online training sessions for staff members, informing them of the aims of the study and their involvement in completing reports and in supporting patients.
Expert by Experience (EbE) involvement
A group of EbEs supported the project at different points. One EbE developed training materials to inform the participants about the potential use of photovoice. EbEs were also involved in presentations, interpreting some of the data, and in presentations of the findings results.
The EMERALD Study Part One: Introduction >>
The EMERALD Study Part Three: Ward Environment and Actions >>