Pushing the boundaries: an evaluation of the Photographs of Meaning (POM) program for pediatric palliative caregivers (PPCGs)

• Published in: Journal of Applied Communication Research Vol. 52; no. 4; pp. 534 - 553
• Main Authors: Tenzek, Kelly E., Lattimer, Tahleen A., Levy, Kathryn, Grant, Pei C., Depner, Rachel M., Pailler, Megan E., Beaupin, Lynda K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Annandale National Communication Association 03-07-2024
• Subjects: Program evaluation; Public health
• ISSN: 0090-9882; 1479-5752
• DOI: 10.1080/00909882.2024.2376039

Translational research is seemingly ubiquitous, yet complex and difficult to concretely define. We contribute to this conversation by reflectively and critically evaluating a collaborative, multidisciplinary program called the Photographs of Meaning (POM) for pediatric palliative caregivers. The POM program brings together the public health issue of caregiving with community-based-art methodology and engagement. Following four stages for public health research; assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation, we focus on photovoice as a valuable methodological tool that can be integral to translational work in communication. The program evaluation illustrates the main points of translation from the first iteration of POM to the second, as we challenge the traditional ‘bench to bedside’ notion of translational research and offer a more relational approach where communication scholars can engage participants and community networks through photographs. We end with implications and recommendations for scholars working with pediatric palliative caregivers and public health research more generally.