Taking risks in sharing data: the use of poetry for dissemination of research

Abstract

Background: Dissemination of findings in health sciences research can take many forms, but is usually through publication in peer-reviewed journals, and oral and poster presentations at conferences and events. One of the challenges for the researcher is how to get the message across with maximum impact, particularly when faced with a short time frame for presentation.

Aim: The aim of this paper is to reflect on the experience of presenting poetry as a medium for dissemination of research at an international conference. I will consider the reactions of the recipients to my poetry and critically reflect on the transformational journey that occurred as a result of taking a risk in my method of sharing data.

Conclusion: The poetry was viewed as a powerful medium through which to deliver the key messages of the research. It can convey meaning accessibly in a short time frame. Feedback from three conferences has been highly positive and will form the impetus for new work. The reaction from each conference audience has affirmed my view that taking a risk - while provoking anxiety - has been transformative in terms of my future dissemination of research and my practice as an educator.