Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the EDI Institute are partnering to provide a new mobile imaging technique for cancer patients, family members, and staff to express their feelings around the illness. Expressive Digital Imagery (EDI) is used on a smartphone or tablet to provide a creative outlet for people to express complex feelings and emotions that words alone cannot.
Using a new and specialized app, program participants begin with ordinary photographs and easily transform them into expressive images that communicate meaningful aspects of their lives. At Dana-Farber, people can use their own mobile devices or borrow one. As part of the program, participants can print the images in books at no charge through special grant funds.
EDI pilots in multiple clinical settings have shown that therapeutic self-expression through digital imagery can play an important role in helping patients, family members, and clinical providers deal with illness and treatment.
“We are excited to offer EDI to our patients, family, and staff as it complements our ongoing efforts to help people face the challenges of cancer diagnosis and treatment,” said Patricia Stahl, MEd, manager of volunteer programs and services.
This article was adapted from information provided by Dana-Farber.