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True JG. From war to home: a photovoice exhibit, Philadelphia VA Medical Center Gallery November 13, 2012-February 14, 2013. 2012 Nov 13.
Photovoice is an innovative participatory research tool that empowers individuals to convey their experiences, perspectives, and needs through visual images and first person narratives. A total of 29 OEF/OIF Veterans completed study participation by collaborating on a Photovoice project. Veteran participants were given cameras and asked to take photographs of their daily lives and contribute photos from their personal collections to address 4 main questions: 1. How does a deployment impact Veterans' physical, social, and emotional health?; 2. What challenges do Veterans face in making the transition home?; 3. What barriers do Veterans face in seeking care after a deployment?; and 4. Where do Veterans find strength and support to move forward? Preliminary analysis of qualitative data indicates that visiting the Photovoice exhibit has a positive impact on attitudes and knowledge of VA leadership, providers, and staff as relates to the experiences and needs of OEF/OIF Veterans. The gallery opening was followed by a town-hall discussion attended by over 200 VA staff members. A panel of 4 Veterans who participated in the project spoke about their experiences with deployment, homecoming, and seeking care, and then answered questions from VA employees. Family members in the audience spontaneously engaged in the discussions; the event was a great success in terms of bringing together various key VA stakeholders.
