Arts-Based Approaches to Priority Setting: Current Applications and Future Possibilities

Background: Arts-based research methods and priority setting research both reflect growing commitments towards public and participant involvement in research activities. This has contributed to a growth of these respective methods across research disciplines and sectors, but their intersection has not been explored. Methods: We conducted a scoping review to map the state-of-the-science of arts-based approaches within priority setting research. We conducted an open search of three databases, conducted reference list mining, and hand-searched two journals to identify relevant articles. Of 5457 records retrieved, 11 met our pre-established inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Data were extracted using Microsoft Excel to produce narrative and descriptive summaries. Findings: All articles had some degree of health focus. Areas of priority setting centered on chronic illness, hard to reach populations, cancer survivorship, dental reform, and youth. In terms of artistic approaches, the majority of the articles included visual methods, with some articles utilizing multiple art approaches such as music, drawing, and filmmaking. Qualitative methods were used in all articles alongside the arts-based approaches, encompassing techniques such as interviews, discussions, and storytelling. Priority setting activites were mainly facilitated in group settings. The suggested benefits of arts-based approaches included enhancing participant communication, improving accessible research dissemination, and encouraging dialogues on identified health concerns. Challenges with using arts-based approaches included limitations on time and resources. Conclusion: Arts-based approaches to priority setting is an expanding field, with clear applications across various research contexts and priority focal areas. Further attention to the integration of arts-based approaches within priority setting, their theoretical underpinnings, and concurrent development and evaluation of arts-based priority setting methods are warranted.