Photography-Based Approaches in Health Research: Techniques and Applications is a groundbreaking guide designed to help health researchers and research students navigate the innovative world of photography-based research methods in healthcare. This practical resource capitalizes on the advantages of photographic techniques over traditional methods and provides a structured framework currently lacking in healthcare research.In this comprehensive book, readers will gain insight into a variety of photography-based methodologies such as photo-elicitation, photovoice, visual ethnography, photographic collage, and digital storytelling. This resource includes an in-depth discussion of the interrelatedness between photography and phenomenology in health research, offering a holistic context with historical aspects and exploring the future of photography-based research in the era of artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Readers will benefit from case studies and examples from the author's own experience in mental health research, enhancing the book's authenticity and real-world applicability. The final chapter allows readers to apply their new knowledge through exercises and a research proposal template.Ideal for health researchers and students, this book delivers clear guidance for planning, designing, and conducting health research using photography. It offers practical tools for formulating research questions, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting findings that integrate both visual and textual data. The added complexity of ethical considerations in using photography is addressed in a dedicated chapter.
This guide introduces health researchers and students to innovative photography-based research methods in healthcare, capitalising on photographic techniques' advantages over traditional approaches.
FOREWORD
CHAPTER
1. INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY AS A RESEARCH METHOD IN HEALTHCARE
A philosophical prelude to photography
A brief history of photography as a research method
Rationale for using photography in healthcare research
The therapeutic value of photography as a research method
Limitations and challenges to photography-based research in healthcare
CHAPTER
2. PHOTOGRAPHIC APPROACHES TO HEALTHCARE RESEARCH
Photo-elicitation
Photovoice
Visual ethnography
Photo-storytelling
Other photographic approaches to healthcare research
CHAPTER
3. AN OVERVIEW OF PLANNING AND DESIGNING PHOTOGRAPHY-BASED HEALTH
RESEARCH
Formulating the research question and objectives
Sampling strategies and participant recruitment
Choosing the data collection methods
Interpretation of visual data
Research dissemination
Ethical considerations
CHAPTER
4. PHOTOGRAPHY-BASED DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES FOR HEALTHCARE
RESEARCH
Photo-interviews or group activities?
How to conduct a photo-elicitation interview?
How to facilitate photovoice group activities?
Photography-based online healthcare research
CHAPTER
5. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF PHOTOGRAPHS
5.1. How to analyse photographs?
5.2. The role of participants in interpreting visual data
5.3. Triangulation of visual and textual data
CHAPTER
6. REPORTING AND DISSEMINATING FINDINGS
6.1. Writing up photography-based research findings
6.2. Strategies for presenting findings using visual methods
CHAPTER
7. ETHICS IN HEALTHCARE RESEARCH USING PHOTOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES
Application of ethical principles to photography-based research
Ethical issues to consider when conducting photography-based research
CHAPTER
8. PHOTOGRAPHY-BASED HEALTH RESEARCH IN THE ERA OF ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
CHAPTER
9. CASE STUDIES AND EXERCISES
Dr Lucian Milasan is a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Nursing at Nottingham Trent University (Institute of Health and Allied Professions) teaching on, and contributing to, a number of mental health practice and research modules for under- and post-graduate students. He is also an Early Career Researcher with an interest in, and passion for, mental health recovery, lived experience of mental distress, and mental health and culture. He is adept of combining photography-based techniques such as photo-elicitation and photovoice with qualitative research, phenomenology in particular. Lucians research profile and portfolio in this subject area has been growing and currently includes a systematic review on the used of photography in mental health research (Milasan et al., 2022a), a cultural exploration of experiences and meanings of recovery in a cultural context (Milasan, 2023), and a methodological article on the therapeutic benefits of photography as a research method (Milasan, 2024a). Additionally, he has published a number of book chapters including a piece on photo-elicitation in healthcare research (Milasan, 2022b). Lucian is currently exploring the development of visual and photographic research methods within the current context of technological advancements in virtual reality and artificial intelligence (Milasan et al., 2024). He continues to publish academic work that is accessible, innovative, and inspirational for academics, researchers, and research students on health and allied professions courses.
