Articulating expertise and professional artistry: New methodological principles for critical creative research

Abstract

This poster presents a critical perspective of a methodology for research that facilitates articulation of professional artistry and expertise in practice with persons living with dementia. This critical perspective was developed during research which intended to explore the principles and philosophy underpinning professional artistry or expert practice with occupational therapists. Existing literature in occupational therapy reflects a concern with developing and expressing the principles of professional artistry, practice expertise and professional judgement (Mattingly 1991, Turner and Alsop 2015) for the purpose of raising consciousness of the value of occupational therapy and supporting development of role clarity and professional identity (Unsworth and Baker 2016). The argument that there is a need to develop research methodologies that support articulation of artistry and expertise related to professional philosophies will be presented in this poster. The case for research strategies incorporating critical creativity (McCormack and Titchen 2006) and creative methods as a way of articulating practice principles that are often deeply embodied in a practitioner’s being will be presented in this poster. A critical creative case study methodology will be described, and reflective dialogue about this critique facilitated with poster viewers. The key messages presented in this poster are: philosophical and methodological principles of creativity can facilitate expression of expert knowledge that is inherently tacit and embodied; and incorporating such principles facilitates practice development and research that is consistent with, and reflective of, our professional philosophy.