Publication
An exploratory study of the feasibility and acceptability of a digital storytelling intervention in paediatric palliative care in Ireland
Safarifard R, Molati A, Corcoran Y, Kiernan G, Courtney E, Mitchell J, Akard T, Lambert V · Journal of Pediatric Nursing · 2026
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. © 2026 The Authors.
Synced from the TRENDS in Pediatric Palliative Care Zotero library, curated by The Siden Research Team. ICPCN does not host or verify the full text.