Using art-based techniques in engaging children and young people in health care consultations and/or research

This paper outlines how art-based techniques and activities can applied for use in consultation work and/or research projects with children and young people. First, the concept of what constitutes an art-based activity and how it might be used in consultation and/or research is explored. Following this, three art-based activities of using photographs, drawings/posters or collages and mapping techniques are considered in terms of application to field work. Literature and work undertaken by the author is drawn upon. Critical discussion of using art-based techniques includes pragmatic discussion relating to entering the field, time, resources, collecting the data, settings and feedback.