Digital Storytelling as a Psychosocial Tool for Adult Cancer Survivors.

PURPOSE

To understand the meaning and impact for adult patients with cancer (past or present) of creating a digital story related to their cancer experience.

PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: 10 participants made digital stories with the help of a research assistant trained in digital storytelling. This research took place in a large, urban center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

METHODOLOGIC APPROACH

This research was done in the tradition of philosophical hermeneutics. Ten one-on-one interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using an interpretive qualitative methodology.

FINDINGS

Findings revealed that digital stories were cathartic; reconnected individuals with family, friends, and parts of their lives that had been interrupted from cancer therapy; helped participants reflect in a way that was often described as therapeutic; and bridged communication with others about their cancer experiences.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Digital stories can be used to highlight the immense psychosocial impact of cancer and point healthcare professionals and other researchers toward creative and nontraditional ways to address this issue.