An exploratory study of the feasibility and acceptability of a digital storytelling intervention in paediatric palliative care in Ireland.

BACKGROUND

Children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families face significant psychosocial challenges. While digital storytelling is an established memory-making intervention in the U.S., its adaptation and implementation within Irish paediatric palliative care remains unexplored.

PURPOSE: This exploratory study investigated the feasibility and acceptability of an adapted digital storytelling intervention, integrated with Barretstown's therapeutic recreation model, for families receiving community-based paediatric palliative care in Ireland.

METHODS

Using a multi-perspective design, five families (children aged 5-16) co-created multimedia legacy videos with trained facilitators. Feasibility was examined via recruitment, retention, fidelity, and delivery logistics. Acceptability was explored through semi-structured interviews with parents (n = 9; 1-2 weeks post-intervention and after video receipt) and delivery facilitators (n = 11; after each case session). Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; qualitative data underwent reflexive thematic analysis mapped to the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability.

RESULTS

Five families were recruited (50% enrolment), all completed the intervention session and received their legacy videos. 100% completed the first follow-up interview and 80% the second. Home-based delivery supported relaxed, child-led participation. Parents described digital storytelling as a joyful, life-affirming experience that fostered family connection. Staff reported strong alignment with Barretstown's strengths-based ethos, though resource-intensive video-editing was a primary logistical constraint.

CONCLUSIONS

Adapted digital storytelling appears feasible and acceptable within the Irish paediatric palliative care context, offering preliminary evidence of meaningful emotional value to families.

IMPLICATIONS: These findings provide preliminary evidence to support the future investigation and larger-scale evaluation of digital storytelling as a family-centred psychosocial intervention in community-based palliative services.