P35 - Getting to the heart of it: poetry as research data and deep reflection

Abstract

To explore and demonstrate the use of poetry in research and practice. In this workshop, we first present the significant role of creativity in human experience and demonstrate, with current literature and research examples, how poetry can be used to present interview data and also as a way of accessing universal experience for deep reflection. Attendees will participate in a series of writing activities and are encouraged to bring a piece of raw research data, or an incident for reflection to work with. These will be shared at the end of the session and have the option of being showcased for conference participants. Creativity and play are integral to the human experience and, although not always formally acknowledged, creative energy is at the source of research, thought and practice. Along with learning about research structure and rigour, or practice guidelines, it is vital that researchers and practitioners realise the value of the creative process in the advancement of ideas and in the integration of complex emotions. Developing creative potential can enhance understanding and lead to new insights. Embedding creative arts practice in traditional qualitative research methodologies can help to develop the creative process of the researcher, and result in more perceptive data analysis and interpretation. For practitioners, creative arts practice can result in deeper self-awareness and understanding. Creative research methods can enhance our understanding of the human condition. The use of poetry in qualitative research or reflective practice offers a novel way of presenting data and processing emotions, which can shift perspective and provide access to unexpected knowledge directions. This is important for midwifery researchers and clinicians who are often attempting to bridge various ways of knowing as they investigate the art and science of practice.