The project PhotoVoice, a health tool for the population of San Bartolomé, presented by two primary care nursing residents from the Lanzarote Health Area, affiliated with the Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, has won first prize in the Best Community Health Initiative category at the Official College of Nursing of Las Palmas (CELP).
This recognition, corresponding to the second edition of the awards, was presented during the commemorative sessions for International Community Nursing Day, held on Wednesday, November 26, at the Islote de la Fermina facilities in Arrecife.
The award-winning nurses, María del Mar Fernández and Alba Martín, specialists in Family and Community Nursing, developed a qualitative participatory action research study during their residency in Primary Care in Lanzarote, based on the Photovoice methodology, which combines photography and narrative, at the San Bartolomé Health Center.
This research aligns with the 'Canary Strategy for Health-Promoting Islands and Municipalities' (ESCIMPS) of the Canary Islands Health Service, a community health initiative that seeks to promote health and well-being throughout the Canary Islands through community participation and the creation of healthy environments.
Photography and Narrative to Improve Health
The awarded project is part of the final residency work of both professionals. It involved, mainly, women residing in the municipality of San Bartolomé, who participated in six sessions and presented a total of 49 photographs reflecting their perception of the resources that influence their health and well-being.
The images, accompanied by their narratives, allowed for the identification of seven main themes: encounters that generate health; climate and health; kilometer 0 and self-care; identity and diversity; public spaces; physical exercise in company; and learning.
The Primary Care Directorate of Lanzarote congratulates the authors on this recognition, which highlights their dedication, scientific rigor, and contribution to the development of new community health approaches.
