Chad Hammond

Metasynthesis of the Hope Experience of Family Caregivers of Persons With Chronic Illness

The purpose of this metasynthesis was to describe the hope experience of family caregivers of persons with chronic illness. Fourteen studies were included in the metasynthesis. All studies described the importance of hope to the family caregivers of relatives with chronic illness regardless of age, relationship, or setting. Several derived themes arose from the metasynthesis, including (a) transitional refocusing from a difficult present to a positive future, (b) dynamic possibilities within uncertainty, (c) pathways of hope, and (d) hope outcomes. Hope was defined as transitional dynamic possibilities within uncertainty. A new conceptual model of hope was developed that provides a foundation for future research and practice. The metasynthesis findings indicate factors influencing hope have a role in assessing hope and differing pathways of hope provide a foundation for future hope interventions.

First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Women's Experiences of Cancer Survivorship: Protocol for the National Picture Project

Little is known about First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) womens experiences with cancer, including how they relate to cultural and social factors such as geography, history, racism, identity, traditional values/practices, and spirituality. Research into FNIM womens strengths and challenges in relation to cancer is much needed. Our team, in partnership with Saint Elizabeth Health, is documenting the experiences and needs of 60 FNIM cancer survivors across Canada, using sharing sessions, photography (photovoice), journaling, and film. We will evaluate the impact of photography and journaling on the participants to assist with the future development of supportive programs and health- care delivery. This innovative research will result in a video, which will address gaps in knowledge and care. The video will then be screened in several communities and will be publicly available. In future projects, the findings and video will be used in supportive programs for cancer survivors and in educational initiatives for health professionals.

Cycles of silence: First Nations women overcoming social and historical barriers in supportive cancer care

First Nations people with cancer in Canada confront several critical inequities in physical and psychosocial domains. First Nations women are at a particular disadvantage as they are disproportionately affected by social determinants of health, but how they navigate these challenges within their communities is poorly understood.

Breeding new forms of life: a critical reflection on extreme variances of bareback sex

Many men who have sex with men (MSM) express feeling marginalized by discourses within public health and sexual health nursing that determine bareback sex is deviant and unsafe. Their resistance to risk-based discourses can be seen within radical sex practices such as deliberately becoming-infected with HIV (bug-chasing) and breeding-infection (gift-giving). The metaphors of bug-chasing and gift-giving, particularly those spread across global online spaces, can influence the sexual experiences and practices of MSM. A metaphor analysis was conducted of Internet forums discussing HIV chasing and gifting metaphors, and showed a variety of discursive meanings, tactics and effects to the radical sex practice. A radical research approach was used to explore the processes of becoming-infected and breeding-infection as determinant steps in the symbolic resistance of risk-based discourses, as well as the creation of new forms of life and community among MSM. Our analyses demonstrate how the gifting/chasing metaphors express MSMs marginalization as well as their lines of flight from having their practices captured within public health discourses. We hope to offer alternative nursing approaches for thinking through and engaging with transgressive and queer sexual practices.

Exploring Gender-Related Experiences of Cancer Survivors Through Creative Arts: A Scoping Review

Negative health consequences of cancer and its treatments are multifaceted. Research suggests numerous psychosocial benefits may be gained by cancer survivors who engage in arts-based practices. To grasp the breadth of this literature, we undertook a scoping review exploring the intersection between arts-based practices, gender, and cancer. Three databases were searched according to the following criteria: (a) participants older than 18 years, (b) use of arts-based practices, (c) explore cancer survivorship, and (d) gender-based analysis component. A total of 1,109 studies were identified and 11 met inclusion criteria. Themes extracted illustrate four transformative moments related to gender identities postcancer diagnosis: (a) fostering reflection after a cancer diagnosis, (b) constructing new narratives of gender postcancer, (c) navigating gender norms in search of support for new identities, and (d) interrogation of perceived gender norms. Findings demonstrate potential contributions of arts-based practices in shaping cancer-related gender identities. Future research should investigate these experiences across a wider population.

Situating our selves: using mixed media to convey experiences of psychosocial cancer research

ABSTRACT Background In contrast to the field of art therapy, the use of art-making as a form of reflective or creative practice by social scientists by themselves or for themselves has been limited. In this article, we describe the impetus and outcomes for collective art-making within our group of seven health researchers. Methods As a group, we represent sociology, psychology, nursing, occupational therapy, and kinesiology, as well as interdisciplinary studies. Guided by a professional artist, we engaged with mixed media to explore our experiences as psychosocial cancer researchers. Results Findings are brought to light through a process and outcome narrative that highlights the meaningfulness of cancer to researchers. Conclusions Key learnings could inform initiatives that other health researchers might undertake if choosing to expand beyond prevalent models of art as intervention for those who are ill to more fully engage those who explore such lines of inquiry.

Arts-based research methods with indigenous peoples: an international scoping review

Research with indigenous peoples worldwide carries long histories of exploitation, distorted representation, and theft. New “indigenizing” methodologies centre the production of knowledge around the processes and knowledges of indigenous communities. Creative research methods involving artistic practices—such as photovoice, journaling, digital storytelling, dance, and theatre—may have a place within these new approaches, but their applications have yet to be systematically explored. We conducted a scoping review of 36 international research studies literature on arts-based research with indigenous peoples. The majority of studies used photovoice and were conducted in Canada, USA, Australia, or New Zealand. We identify five primary fields in which arts-based methods may offer benefit to an indigenous research agenda: (a) participant engagement, (b) relationship building, (c) indigenous knowledge creation, (d) capacity building, and (e) community action. We propose several opportunities to further explore arts-based methods with indigenous peoples.

Writing toward well-being: A qualitative study of community-based workshops with breast cancer survivors

Transitioning to breast cancer survivorship can be challenging, yet there are few community-based supports. Writing is a promising psychosocial intervention, but most studies have evaluated independent writing. In contrast, our qualitative study (n=12) explored womens experiences in a community-based workshop. The analysis of workshop recordings, journals, and interviews resulted in three themes: (a) Sharing in safe spaces, (b) Seeking permission and balance, and (c) Fear and uncertainty. The themes document unmet needs related to the emotional impact of breast cancer, as well as the potential of community-based writing to enhance well-being. Such programs may address gaps in cancer survivorship care by providing safe spaces for emotional expression, while supporting participants in the crafting of new narratives focused on well-being.