Exploration of the development, implementation, and value of digital storytelling for older adult clients of a community-based organization: a case study

Abstract

Background: Emerging evidence on DST for older adults suggests positive findings that lend support for providing older adults with opportunities to participate in DST; however, such opportunities are limited. For community service providers interested in bringing a digital storytelling (DST) approach for older adults into their organization, a more contextual and nuanced understanding is required of how the engagement of older adults in DST can be supported. Stemming from a mutual interest in DST for older adults, this participatory-research (PR) project was undertaken collaboratively with a local community-based organization in the context of their DST project. Purpose: To advance understanding of the perspectives and experiences of older adult clients and of service providers with regard to the development, implementation, and value of DST for older adults served by a community-based organization. Methods: Using a single instrumental case study design and qualitative description, individual semi-structured interviews explored the experiences and perspectives of an older adult client and a DST facilitator on the process of creating a digital story for the older adult client. A focus group explored the experiences and perspectives of service providers about the process of developing DST opportunities for older-adult clients of their organization using a PR approach. Findings: A general inductive approach to analysis led to the development of three themes: (a) DST takes place in the context of a person-centred approach; (b) understanding the multi-faceted benefits of DST for older adults; and (c) developing DST opportunities for older-adult clients of a community-based organization: meso-level perspectives of service providers. Conclusions: This study provides insight into DST implementation in the context of a person-centred approach, the value of DST for older adults, and how a community-based organization new to DST approached introducing DST to their older adult community using a PR approach. Potential implications for the community-based organization where the study took place are discussed. Additional insight into the application of a PR approach in occupational therapy and the value placed on the relationship with community partners, as well as the fit for DST with occupational therapy practice, is illustrated.