Use of photo methods in research studies with cancer survivors and their caregivers: a scoping review

Abstract

Purpose: Photo methods such as photo-elicitation and photovoice have traditionally been implemented as knowledge-generation techniques; however, they have also been conceptualized as interventions. We performed a scoping review to document the use of photo methods in studies of cancer, to describe participant populations such as cancer survivors versus caregivers, types of cancers involved, and to identify opportunities for future directions.Methods: An a priori search strategy was implemented across health-related databases with the following inclusion criteria: 1) study participants were diagnosed with cancer and/or were caregivers of those with cancer; 2) study participants were asked to take and/or respond to photographs as part of the study protocol; 3) articles were published in peer-reviewed journals; 4) articles were written in English.Results: Eighty non-duplicative articles were identi ed; of these, 30 articles describing 24 individual studies were included for review.All but one (95.8%) of the studies utilized photovoice solely as a knowledge-generation technique without participant outcome measurement or analysis. Across all included studies, participants were largely women with breast cancer; other demographic and cancer-related variables (e.g., race, cancer stage) were not consistently reported. Caregivers were included in 37.5% of studies.Conclusion: Photo methods are an effective method for eliciting rich qualitative data in cancer populations; however, there are missed opportunities in their lack of use for intervention and systemic change. In addition, inconsistent reporting of demographics and cancer characteristics limit our ability to synthesize these data across studies.

Social connectedness and health‐related quality of life among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy: A mixed method approach using structural equation modelling and photo‐elicitation

“…Through these images, patients who are suffering from deeply situated issues are given a safe and confidential avenue to disclose sensitive information in a detailed and objective manner (Oliffe & Bottorff, 2007; Rivard et al, 2022). These advantages of photo‐elicitation have been crucial in discovering delicate problems among cancer patients, allowing them to share their rich and unique experiences in a real‐time, first‐hand perspective (Layone et al, 2022; Rivard et al, 2022). Cognizant of its benefits and ability to empower and provide meaning within the hands of patients with cancer (Layone et al, 2022), photo‐elicitation can provide vivid descriptions, accounts, and perspectives of social connectedness, especially in a culturally‐different country such as the Philippines.…”

“…These advantages of photo‐elicitation have been crucial in discovering delicate problems among cancer patients, allowing them to share their rich and unique experiences in a real‐time, first‐hand perspective (Layone et al, 2022; Rivard et al, 2022). Cognizant of its benefits and ability to empower and provide meaning within the hands of patients with cancer (Layone et al, 2022), photo‐elicitation can provide vivid descriptions, accounts, and perspectives of social connectedness, especially in a culturally‐different country such as the Philippines. Hence, this study has two main objectives: (1) to develop and test the model of association of social connectedness and HRQoL among patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, and (2) to describe their social connectedness through photo‐elicitation.…”