O12 Using mise en place photography, through location selection, the deliberate arrangement of objects and symbolic elements to convey patients’ stories in a dignified and emotionally engaging way

<h3>Background</h3> Understanding the psychosocial and spiritual needs of individuals approaching the end of life requires methods that move beyond quantitative surveys and structured interviews. In-depth, narrative-based approaches can reveal the complexity of lived experience and enable more authentic dialogue. This study explores the use of creative visual methods to foster open, honest conversation about dying, with the aim of improving death literacy and informing more compassionate end-of-life care. <h3>Methods</h3> Drawing on thematic analysis from a collaborative research project, mise en place photography was employed as a visual metaphor to represent core themes identified in the data. This innovative approach provided a dignified and emotionally resonant means of expression for participants, including individuals with a terminal diagnosis and their carers. By co-creating the photographic scenes, participants were able to externalise their experiences and communicate emotion and meaning often absent from conventional portraiture and quantitative research. <h3>Results</h3> Seven photographic scenes were produced, each depicting a patient and carer. Participants reported that engagement in the creative process fostered a sense of control, offering comfort in shaping a narrative that would endure beyond death. Exhibitions of the images elicited curiosity, emotional engagement, and open discussion among viewers, effectively challenging social taboos and facilitating community dialogue around end-of-life experiences. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This project demonstrates the potential of integrating creative visual methodologies with traditional qualitative approaches to highlight the psychosocial and spiritual dimensions of dying. By combining thematic analysis with artistic representation, participants experienced empowerment and connection, while audiences were invited to engage with death in a more reflective and empathetic manner. The findings highlight the value of art-based inquiry in advancing death literacy and promoting compassionate, person-centred end-of-life care. This method also opened up research to a wider audience making it more accessible.