'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.

Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of Mutaz B. Habal, MD.