Reflect Interview using audio-image recording: Development and feasibility study

Abstract

This paper outlines the development to date of two art therapy practice research tools: the audio-image recording (AIR) format and an art-based semi-structured interview entitled Reflect Interview. These aim to capture service user views of what changes, and what mechanisms cause change, in the art therapy they have received. A feasibility study was undertaken to establish whether these tools could be used to build credible data sets across multiple sites and populations. Results indicate this is possible if the data collection period is longer than six months. The authors argue that results indicate the tools have high respondent validity, are unobtrusive to administer in naturalistic settings and offer a novel contribution to art therapy research from within its practice.

Keywords:

• Art therapy research
• audio-image recording (AIR)
• Reflect Interview
• mechanisms of change
• service user perspective

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Anthony Davis, R&D lead at Oxleas NHS foundation Trust, and our art therapy colleagues Lisa Banks, Diane Eagles, Nadine Wilkinson, Gina Andrewes, Deidre McConnell, Sarah Barbee, Dominque Rey, Chris Peckham, and Kate Rothwell.

Notes

1. By way of clarification, it should be noted that this paper describes the recording format as a ‘podcast’ but it has since become clear that this term refers more to an audio-only format. NS has since defined the term AIR because it offered a more accurate and functional description of the format.