An arts workshop investigated the process of communicating the notion of uniqueness with young people with congenital heart disease (CHD) and whether three-dimensional (3D) visualization could be more effective than two-dimensional (2D) visualization for elaborating CHD anatomy and increasing awareness. Young people with CHD (n=7,14-18 years old) were invited to a workshop by a multidisciplinary team (a visual artist, a bioengineer, two psychologists and an adolescent clinical nurse specialist). The artist guided the participants through self-portrait exercises, creative writing, painting a body map, discussions and reflections. Participants also discussed a range of3D-printed heart models. Participants unanimously agreed that a 3D-sculpted self-portrait form was more immediate than a 2D portrait form for representing themselves. Body maps provided insight into their inner landscape. In discussing 3D heart models, different preferences emerged, at times contrasting or even opposed. The quality of engagement was excellent throughout. An interdisciplinary approach can be successfully used to explore the potentially sensitive theme of uniqueness in CHD.
展开▼
