Aplikace terapeutické fotografie a expresivní psaní při léčbě pacientů s Marfanovým syndromem (FOTOTEMA)

Subjects with Marfan syndrome in follow-up at Cardiovascular Genetic Center, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato

Therapeutic photography, unlike phototherapy, consists of a set of photography-based activities that are initiated independently as part of an organised group or project, but in which no formal therapy is taking place within a psychotherapeutic setting. This approach, too, can be used as a routine practice in treatment pathways. The subject deepens his or her self-awareness to improve the sense of being: images become a way to express oneself, to communicate what one is unable to verbalize. Therapeutic photography can be done independently and individually, or in the presence of other professionals (nurses, sociologists, teachers, facilitators, psychologists) who accompany the individual to the understanding and production of the activity.

Expressive writing is a technique that helps to understand and manage one's experiences and emotional tensions, contributes to mental and physical well-being, decreased stress, improved relationships, and the strengthening of the immune system.

This approach will be assessed through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis of photographs generated by participants to deepen their personal experience of living with a rare disease

This approach will be assessed through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis texts generated by participants to deepen their personal experience of living with a rare disease

Detect and compare the impact of therapeutic photography activities on patients and their perception of its effect in their care. This approach will be assessed through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis of photographs generated by participants to deepen their personal experience of living with a rare disease

Detect and compare the impact of expressive writing activities on patients and their perception of its effect in their care. This approach will be assessed through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis of texte written by participants to deepen their personal experience of living with a rare disease

Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) questionnaire will be applied for the evaluation of this outcome

Exploring patients' perceptions of attractiveness, efficiency, clarity, reliability, stimulation and originality of the program through standardized evaluations as a measure of proximity of feasibility.

Exploring the experience of the patients involved with qualitative analysis of interviews, texts and photographs.