P43
BLOOD MAKES NOISE: A film/media project with dialysis patients
Coghlan, R., Ledgard, A., Snelling, P., Coulter. A., Fernandes, J., Taylor. J.
Dorset County Hospital Renal Unit and Arts in Hospital Project
INTRODUCTION Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a deep impact on family life and
patient ability to lead full and productive lives. Issues for patients are: boredom; lack of
control; low family awareness of diet; fluid restrictions; low mood. The hospital has a vibrant
arts programme. In consultation with a renal consultant and dietitian, a film and new media
project was devised with Peter Snelling, a participatory film maker, working with patients
attending evening dialysis sessions with the aims of:
1. making a series of short films, blog and online forum with patients
2. exploring the effectiveness of an immersive film experience in providing a
channel for self-expression, improved communication, and enhanced well-being
3. raising public awareness of cause and impact of kidney disease
4. improving patient autonomy, patient and carer understanding and management of
diet
5. creating a film about renal disease for use in educational contexts (for predialysis patients, peers, and clinical staff).
METHODS
Peter Snelling introduced a range of creative methods to involve patients including: filmmaking; an on-line blog; designing renal friendly recipes with local chef Jyoti Fernandes; and
an evening of shared cooking and eating. Over 6 months Snelling worked with 5 patients,
visiting homes, interviewing family and friends, and filming one patient’s journey from
dialysis to transplant operation. Snelling films without crew, encouraging participants to use
flip cameras or phones, thus enabling them to participate fully. A wider group of renal
patients in satellite units in Dorset are taking part in the project on-line building a collective
response to films, blog, and food activities.
RESULTS
The films explore tensions between hospital and home life, pressures of diet/fluid restrictions,
lost time, and different experiences of transplantation. They are remarkable and authentic
patient testimonies and have the power to move and affect an audience. The films will be
screened in March 2013. Evaluation includes: in-depth interviews; audience focus groups;
and a Quality of Life questionnaire given at the start and completion of the project; on-line
film viewing figures and numbers of screenings. Interim results reveal significant behaviour
changes noted in particular with one patient with improved phosphate management resulting
from better dietary and medication adherence. Anecdotal evidence suggests that artistic
process has encouraged more open communication about living with dialysis; improved
communication with staff; more open family communication about diet and fluid
management; less secrecy about renal illness in patients’ professional contexts; greater
interest within the involved group and in the unit, with requests from patients for more similar
activities in future.
CONCLUSION
The films and evaluation evidence will contribute to the growing body of knowledge about
the effectiveness of art as a method in building understanding and communication about
chronic health issues and improving patient well-being (Staricoff. R. 2004: 5). The films will
represent the voice of the patient and can complement existing renal education practice.
BLOOD MAKES NOISE CAN BE DOWNLOADED at:
http://www.mypockets.co.uk/bloodmakesnoise.htm