2026-10-14T10:07:34Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/33815028 2026-09-15T18:21:15Z category_21 category_64 category_106 category_122 category_132 portal_5 item_type_3 month_year_09_2026

<p>Overview of Photovoice Workshops.</p> Kristina Fuentes (13216383) Danielle Jacobson (13871124) Arija Birze (12546988) Lauren Cadel (6649055) Dianne Fierheller (17427494) Michelle Marcinow (11062943) Bhavini Patel (405150) Abby Vijayakumar (12118419) Ian Zenlea (5538734) Kerry Kuluski (3995054) Elizabeth Mansfield (1874596) Biotechnology Cancer Science Policy Mental Health Infectious Diseases support best practices provide essential support innovation hub focused g ., hospitals disproportionately impacting women amplify caregiver voices addressing structural inequities complex care needs based participatory research xlink "> using mental health distress mental health challenges study foregrounds caregivers caregivers remain undervalued xlink "> mental health new research care environments health systems systemic risks supports throughout social systems significant contributions racialized populations qualitative evaluation practice recommendations potential harms photovoice workshops photovoice principles photo taking peel region ongoing consent narrative development identify cross financial strain elevated rates diverse communities develop evidence cutting themes critical role collaboratively analyzed collaborative theming chronic conditions building capacity broader four advocacy tools advocacy planning 19 pandemic <div> <p>Introduction</p><p>Unpaid caregivers—those who provide essential support to family, friends, or neighbours with disabilities, chronic conditions, mental health, or other health concerns—play a critical role in sustaining Canada’s health and social systems. Despite their significant contributions, caregivers remain undervalued, under-recognized, and under-supported. This marginalization has led to elevated rates of burnout, mental health distress, and financial strain, disproportionately impacting women and racialized populations. The COVID-19 pandemic further revealed the systemic risks and potential harms of excluding caregivers from care environments (e.g., hospitals, long-term care settings), prompting urgent calls for reform. This Photovoice study forms part of a broader four-year research program engaging caregivers from diverse communities to co-develop evidence and advocacy tools to support best practices in healthcare for engaging caregivers and inform a new Research and Innovation Hub focused on caregiving.</p> <p>Methods</p><p>Using a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach, a series of Photovoice workshops will be conducted with four priority caregiver groups in Peel Region, Ontario: (1) caregivers of children with complex care needs; (2) caregivers of seniors; (3) caregivers supporting young adults with mental health challenges; and (4) women caregivers supporting multiple generations. Each group will participate in six virtual workshops focused on photo taking, narrative development, collaborative theming, and advocacy planning. The study foregrounds caregivers as co-researchers, not just participants, and integrates inclusive research practices including compensation, ongoing consent, check-ins, and other supports throughout the process. Data will be collaboratively analyzed with participants to identify cross-cutting themes and policy and practice recommendations. A follow-up qualitative evaluation will assess co-researcher participants’ experiences with the method and its impact.</p> <p>Discussion and conclusion</p><p>This study centers caregiver perspectives, experience, and expertise to inform responsive health system change. Employing CBPR and Photovoice principles will help to amplify caregiver voices and generate actionable knowledge aimed at addressing structural inequities in caregiving policy and practice.</p></div> 2026-09-15T18:21:12Z Dataset Dataset 10.1371/journal.pone.0358550.t001 https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/_p_Overview_of_Photovoice_Workshops_p_/33815028 CC BY 4.0