Feasibility and Acceptability of Digital Legacy-Making: An Innovative Story-Telling Intervention for Adults With Cancer.

BACKGROUND

This study examined the feasibility, burden and acceptability of a legacy-making intervention in adults with cancer and preliminary effects on patient quality-of-life (QOL) measures.

METHOD

We conducted a Stage IB pilot, intervention study. The intervention was a digital video legacy-making interview of adults with advanced cancer to create a digital video of their memories and experiences. Baseline and post-video QOL assessments included: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Emotional Thermometers for distress, anxiety, anger, help and depression. Participants received a final copy of the digital video for distribution to their families.

RESULTS

Adults (n = 16) ages 38-83 years old with an advanced or life-limiting cancer diagnosis completed an intervention. Feasibility and acceptability was strong with 0% attrition. While the pilot study was not powered for quantitative significance, there were changes from baseline to post-intervention in the participants' total or subscale FACT-G scores, PDI, HADS anxiety or depression scores, and Emotional Thermometer scores.

CONCLUSIONS

A digital video legacy-making intervention is feasible for adults with cancer without significant negative outcomes for individuals completing the study. It remains unclear whether this intervention contributes to positive quality of life outcomes.