‘FACE ME’: The impact and value of an arts-based project about the patient-parent-clinician relationship in European reference network CRANIO

Background: A good patient-clinician relationship is an important aspect of quality of care according to patients living with a rare congenital craniofacial condition and their parents. Despite efforts, the challenging question remains how to improve this relationship. Objective: The authors describe the value and impact of using arts-based methods as a catalyst for bringing the 2 ‘worlds’ of patients and their parents and that of clinicians together. Methods: FACE ME, developed by 2 visual artists, consisted of reorganizing the house of a surgeon with a group of patients (n=3), surgeons (n=3), and a parent (n=1) resulting in 2 artworks. The following data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis: the film recording the process, photos of the artworks (i.e., end-results of 2 reorganizations), conversations and reflections of the project group involved, and survey results of respondents who watched the film and photos. Results: Four intertwined themes describe the impact and value of FACE ME: (1) importance of exchanging trust, (2) seeing each other as a person, (3) imagine standing in each other’s shoes, and 4) working as a team. These themes represent both perspectives and their similarities in expectations of a good relationship, and findings were supported by the views of the project group and the audience watching the film. Conclusion: FACE ME crossed the boundaries of clinicians, patients, and their parents, and created a better mutual understanding. This arts-based project started a different conversation, and reflection, changed mindsets, and provoked actions towards a better relationship.