2014) Visualizing the invisible: applying an arts-based methodology to explore how healthcare workers and patient representatives envisage pathogens in the context of healthcare associated infections, Arts Background: While efforts to enhance healthcare workers' knowledge and behaviours in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have been considerable, little is known about how staff visualize pathogens and their relationship to HAIs. This study, therefore, sought to explore how healthcare workers envisage pathogens in the context of HAIs. Method: Ten hospital-based healthcare workers and two patient representatives participated in a workshop combining risk identification, making activities and in-depth interviews. This methodology was informed by Sullivan's Dimensions of Visualization framework. A descriptive cross-case analysis approach was used to summarize and synthesize the data. Results: Few of the participants reported actively visualizing pathogens in their mind's eye; however, the study elicited mental images of pathogens from all participants and all were able to create related models during the making activity. Conceptions appeared to be influenced primarily by microbiology and infection control campaigns. Conclusion: Our adaptation of Sullivan's Dimensions of Visualization framework proved useful in structuring this initial enquiry and merits wider application and evaluation by qualitative health researchers.

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This article provides an analysis of a socially engaged arts project that took place over a nine-month period between two quite different groups of people: art students who facilitated the project and homeless men who participated. Four art students volunteered to work on a socially engaged arts project and access a drop-in group which supports people who are homeless. I consider that the arts-based methods used within socially engaged practice changes the student's perceptions of homelessness. Analogue photography along with collaborative arts projects become a methodology for dialogical and creative engagement. The research is reflexive, with the art students, and a couple of the homeless men, being interviewed at the end of the project. From these reflections we gain an insight into how the creative methods change the students' stereotypical perceptions of homelessness. The surprising effect of agency that comes about through objects such as tables and cameras, the processes, artwork, and an exhibition has the power to change the relationship between the homeless men and art students. The research recognizes the relationship between volunteering and empathy and wanting to change homeless people's lives for the better.

This version may not include final proof corrections and does not include published layout or pagination. Citation DetailsCitation for the version of the work held in 'OpenAIR@RGU': HACKETT, C., 2013. Transferable skills and the drug dependent: a journey through the city of Glasgow.

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