My Phd explores the materiality of creative Facilitation methods used in healthcare. More specifically, it reviews the role of making, clothing and wearing in complex health Facilitation contexts to; address power dynamics; broker collaborations between differing communities (with differing ontological perspectives of the body) and facilitate participation of marginalised or underrepresented communities. Drawing on my own facilitative experience, which spans the last 15 years, I have identified and reviewed practitioners who adopt a Making and Cloth(ing)-led approach to Facilitation, who are situated in Therapeutic, Socially Engaged Creative Health and Wearable Technology settings. Using a New Materialist Lens, I have developed an enhanced understanding of the mechanics of these practices to explore how they work and what they do in complex health contexts.
Phase one of the research has reviewed facilitative practices used in healthcare contexts of nipple and breast reconstruction (Rhian Solomon) HIV and Aids and women’s health (Annette Schwalbe), female pelvic anatomy (Teresa Almeida). Reviewed methods also support discussion amongst families of traveller communities bereaved to suicide (Seamus McGuinness) and experiences of medical trainees in anatomical dissection (Celia Pym). Semi-structured interviews with selected Facilitators, accompanied by reflections on my own practice have enabled me to explore the mechanics of these Facilitated workshops.
Phase two has involved the design and development of A Wardrobe Probe exploring lived experiences of breast cancer and reconstruction. In addition to a group workshop that drew together communities of breast cancer service users and clinicians. Reviewing these methods provided insight into the mechanics and impact of self-directed and group methods in the context of breast cancer care.
By detailing ‘What matters in Making and Cloth(ing)-led Facilitation in healthcare?’ this study presents detailed practice and ethical frameworks to inform future facilitative practices applied in health settings to advance participation and collaboration.
This study has been kindly supported by the charity, Breast Cancer Haven - it’s clinical staff and research team. It has been funded by The Arts and Humanities Research Council as part of London Doctoral Design Centre.
I am eternally grateful to all of the people who have taken part in this study, who so generously gave their time, wisdom and energy. And whom without, the project simply would not exist.
KEYWORDS Clothing, Collaboration, Complexity, Healthcare, Individual and Collective Creativity, Making, Making and Cloth(ing)-led Facilitation, Materiality, New Materialism, Participation, Wardrobe Probe, Workshop Facilitation
