P177 Art in dialogue: art and voice in an ANCA-associated vasculitis workshop

Abstract

Abstract Background Using art to facilitate 'expressions of illness experience’ can provide new ways of helping healthcare professionals and others gain a deeper understanding of the impact that illnesses can have. Using art as a non-verbal communication tool may provide a voice for people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), as well as a space for their carer to reveal lived experiences of AAV. This can open communication channels in the patient-clinician or carer/support interview. Furthermore, art could be used as a coping mechanism for rare diseases such as AAV and could have therapeutic effects. Methods A workshop for people with AAV was held for participants to express their individual AAV using digital art, as either a patient, a carer or healthcare provider (n = 6). We employed a personal narrative inquiry and a digital art exercise focusing on patients', carer's and the clinicians' perceptions on what pain, fatigue, change and support look like in colour and shape. Results As an artist, the first author presented her own dialogue and agency of being an artist, patient and retired rheumatologist. We invited a collective understanding of ‘how people make sense of key life experiences and what it means to them’. For all participants, using a digital art workshop to express the patient journey and experiences with pain and fatigue was a new experience. The participants used different types of expressions in their art. Some individuals used art for storytelling, some used more abstract art with different digital brush techniques to express their feelings of pain, fear or hope. The colour theme was discussed with the participants. Red/orange was intuitively used to represent pain whereas green/blue was used to represent periods of calm. People who said they were less expressive could also use this form of non-verbal communication. Participants expressed their feelings and experiences and highlighted when painting with digital art that using the finger was easier and less tiring than holding a brush. Others found that while concentrating on creating the picture, they found some relief from illness-related symptoms. Conclusion This workshop used colour and shape to portray different energies surrounding adaptations and transitions that AAV had for patients, carer and clinicians. Digital art helped to express illnesses and emotions that AAV patients or carers experience and could be used as a method for coping. It may open up channels in the patient-clinician or carer/support dialogue and break communication barriers in healthcare encounters, leading to better monitoring results. Art encourages self-reflection, and can influence, inspire and enable individuals. It helps us to see more of the face behind the illness, not just the person with an illness. Disclosures S. Perera None. D. Krafcsik Corporate appointments; Employee of Vifor Pharma. P. Rutherford Corporate appointments; Employee of Vifor Pharma. Shareholder/stock ownership; Vifor Pharma.