Application of photovoice in pharmacy and health services research

Photovoice is a participatory-action research method that seeks to empower individuals who traditionally don’t have a voice through the use of photography and reflection. Photovoice, when employed in pharmacy and health services research, is a powerful method to uncover lived experiences of effected individuals in order to learn about structures, processes, policies, and care provision from those who have been affected by them. When carried out to its fullest potential, the Photovoice method can effectively promote change through shared discovery, communication, and advocacy. This chapter describes the Photovoice method and illustrates how it can be applied to pharmacy and health services research. The chapter also shares examples of the application of Photovoice to foster understanding of lived experiences of patients, coupled with efforts and advocacy, using Photovoice data, to focus on patient-centered change in healthcare environments.