1. Interactively appraising a paper about mental health service users’ experiences and perceptions of photovoice
Pauline McDonald
Research and Development Officer
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
19th June 2017

2. Outline of Session
Presentation of key findings from critical appraisal (8 mins)
Facilitated discussion about strengths and limitations, as well as implications for practice/research (12 mins)

3. Proceeded to more detailed questions.
Paper: Maniam et al (2016) The journey of young people in an early psychosis program involved in participatory photography
Used CASP qualitative checklist (Critical Appraisal Skills Programme 2013) to appraise paper.
‘Passed’ initial screening questions (aims clear, methodology appropriate).
Proceeded to more detailed questions.
New CASP checklist published April 2017
Screening questions:
Was there a clear statement of aims of the research?
Is a qualitative methodology appropriate?

4. Methodology Evidence of ethics approval/considerations.
Design well-outlined, but described rather than justified.
Purposive sampling. Give inclusion, but not exclusion, criteria. Some limitations identified.
Authors explore own influence to some degree, but could be explored further (reflexivity).
Data collection clearly presented, but data saturation not explicitly mentioned.
Validity:
Could further methods have been used ? (mainly semi-structured interview).
Sample- authors say number (11) small, but is it for qualitative? Age range 21-38, more females than males.
Authors’ perspectives not really scrutinised (potential for interpretative bias), inter-rater reliabilty now considered less credible as measure of quality (Greenhalgh).

5. Findings / Considerations
Finding clearly presented.
Rich insights from transcripts.
No photographs included.
Challenges could, perhaps, have been further explored.
Main themes:
Challenges faced during the project
Benefits from attending the project
Transformation, communicating to the public through photography.
Anderson Clarke and Warner provide photographs. ? Allows immediacy of voice
Discussion - very ‘positive’: ? researcher bias.
Generalised construcive points about activity gradation, empowerment etc. ? whether challenges could have been further scrutinised.

6. Implications Insights from a particular project.
Themes provide ‘food for thought’.
Potential tool for practice/research.
Means of empowering individuals/communities.

7. Thank you for listening…
… It’s now time to hear your thoughts in a facilitated discussion.

8. Discussion What are your thoughts on the strengths of the study?
What are your thoughts on the limitations of the study?

9. Discussion
What applications do you think photovoice could have in practice?
What applications do you think photovoice could have in research?
Consider ethical implications/barriers/challenges.

10. References/further reading
Anderson Clarke LM, Warner B (2016) Exploring recovery perspectives in individuals diagnosed with mental illness. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 32(4),
Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (2013) [Qualitative research checklist]: 10 questions to help you make sense of qualitative research. Oxford: CASP. Available at: Accessed on
Greenhalgh T (2014) How to read a paper: the basics of evidence-based medicine. 5th ed. Chichester: Wiley.
Maniam Y, Kumaran P, Lee YP, Koh J, Subramaniam M (2016) The journey of young people in an early psychosis program involved in participatory photography. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(6),

11. Thank you for participating in this interactive session!
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