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Updated: May 26, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
From research to self-reflection: learning about ourselves as academics through a support group's resistance to our
Courtney Lynam Scherr1, Marifran Mattson
1Brian Lamb School of Communication, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2098, USA. clynam@purdue.edu
Abstract:
Purdue University's Center for Healthcare Engineering developed a computer-assisted technology hub (CATHUB) designed to aid individuals with disabilities. Upon realizing the lack of input from the very individuals they were trying to help, Marifran approached the developers of CATHUB and offered to engage a group of amputees to aid in the design and implementation of the hub. In this essay, Courtney and Marifran recount, each from their own perspective, their experiences working with Amputees in Action as participants in their research project. Ultimately the researchers discovered their research agenda was not compatible with the amputees' needs, resulting in enlightened self-reflection by the researchers and abandonment of the research project.
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