Context: In Longueuil, a city outside of Montreal, Canada, a new clinic opened in 2022 to offer opioid agonist treatment and harm reduction interventions. Like elsewhere in North America, the overdose crisis, and the increasing need for addiction treatment after the pandemic has had considerable consequences on marginalized people. A photovoice method was used in the project to evaluate the implementation of this clinic.
Objective: This publication describes the methodology of the photovoice used with marginalized people who use opioids and discusses it as a innovative and efficient way to involve them in research.
Methods: Four meetings (preparation, photo discussions (2) and results discussion) with the 15 participants. Each participant took 3-5 photos around the research question.
Results and conclusions: Photovoice meetings with marginalized people living with OUD allowed us to better understand their experiences with institutions and conventional care structures. The method stimulated discussions and critical dialogue. It allowed sincere expression on the research question. Challenges faced: 1- Participants did not have cell phones for taking photos; 2-Respecting speaking turns was difficult; 3-Traditional method of verbatim and Nvivo coding was not possible; 4-Participant commitment over the 4 meetings was difficult. Strategies put in place: 1- Involvement of a peer researcher with experiential knowledge to promote participant involvement; 2- Meeting and discussion site in proximity with community organizations; 3- Discussion room layout in circle and serving of beverages and food made it possible to meet basic needs and provide a welcoming atmosphere favoring egalitarian exchanges.