Project 462737

Arts-based, visual participatory research methods that bring together stories, images and sounds are central to many community-based health projects because they are inclusive, promote self-expression and highlight local knowledge and understandings. During the COVID 19 pandemic, community-based research teams have been adapting participatory visual methods, such as photovoice and digital storytelling, which are typically conducted in person, for online platforms and introducing hybrid designs with online and in-person participation options as social distancing restrictions were relaxed. The first phase of this project explores changes and modifications of research practices through interviews with national and international research methodologists experienced with developing photovoice and digital storytelling methods for online and hybrid community-based projects. The second project phase will gather perspectives from community members, partners and researchers through a case study with three community based project teams in the diverse region of Peel, Ontario. Through group discussions and interviews with project team members, the case study results will highlight lessons learned, opportunities and challenges when adapting these participatory visual methods. By increasing our knowledge of different perspectives and practices of planning, facilitating and participating in online and hybrid participatory health research projects, we will develop a more fulsome understanding of the potential impact of design choices on the experiences of different communities. We will integrate methodological and local, experiential knowledge to inform the codesign of training resources in the third phase of this two year proposed initiative. These virtual resources will be shared widely through research and community networks, providing context and guidance for the use of participatory visual methods in online/hybrid settings, to support local health and social change agendas.