Digital storytelling in dementia treatment
To gain a better understanding as to why digital storytelling could have a potentially positive impact on people with dementia, the following paragraphs will assess the 2017 conference paper “Digital Storytelling and Dementia” and elaborate on the findings of the authors.
Similar to other definitions, the authors of the paper suggest that digital storytelling is a type of narrative which utilizes media technology in order to create short films. Media can include sound, pictures, music, and videos. (Park, 2017, 1) It should be noted that the authors, too, agree on the fact that there is no single definition of digital storytelling, as they vary in the literature and can include the usage of communication assistive devices, ambient assistive technology, or reminiscence therapy, for the purpose of the documented study, however, the first mentioned definition holds. (Park, 2017, 2)
The authors indicate that past research on this topic has shown potential positive effects for people with dementia to include enhanced relationships and better communication. (Park, 2017, 1) Other benefits that have been mentioned in literature are enhanced well-being, a higher level of confidence, and a sense of purpose. Furthermore, it is stated that digital storytelling can be effective for conveying important information since it is not dependent on a single method for telling a story but allows for multiple ways to communicate it. Visuals, music and spoken words are, while being selected independently, working as a collective in relaying messages to an audience. Another beneficial factor is the ongoing availability of the content over time: participants can repeatedly listen to or view stories whenever they please. Also, the stories can be preserved and given to loved ones as a form of legacy. (Park, 2017, 2)
For the study discussed in the paper, seven participants with dementia in the early disease stage were involved in a seven-session workshop over a six-week period. The objective of the workshops was to create digital stories with the help of care partners and researchers. The paper focuses on the first location of an ongoing multi-site project as at the time of its creation, the study was still in the preliminary stage of analysis at the first site only. The purpose of the conducted study was to better understand the benefits of storytelling and digital media usage for people suffering from dementia. (Park, 2017, 2) Sessions included a pre-study interview that was used to collect demographic information and give an impression of the participant’s usage of technology, amongst other factors. In the interview, questions that were intended to stimulate the discussion of stories from the participant’s past and present life. The first two sessions then included conversations about stories meaningful to the participant, encouraging them to think about what story they would want to follow and develop more in-depth. Sessions after that were used to create digital stories and lastly, the participants could share their stories with a larger audience, friends and family included. (Park, 2017, 5)
The discussed outcome of the study suggest an overall beneficial experience with a positive impact on the participants.These preliminary results from the study’s first site were in line with what the literature on the topic suggested in terms of positive developments in the relationship between the participants and their caregivers, as well as increased communication abilities and interactions. Generally, it can be said that topics emerging from the analysis of the data were continuously linked to engagement: the process, the stories as well as the relationships with care partners and the project’s facilitators all proved to be engaging for the participants. The usage of technology was, at times, challenging, as participants were, for example, uncomfortable using the equipment without support. (Park, 2017, 7-8) Other challenges involved issues with memory and communication. Still, they were in turn appreciative of support and when asked to choose images, effects or songs that would be part of the digital story. Having the right setting with positive support from facilitators and care partners seemed to further enhance the experience for the participants and ultimately, not only the participants but also their care partners enjoyed the final product. (Park, 2017, 7-8)
To sum up the results, it can be said that the overall outcome of the study can be considered quite positive and the authors feel like the usage of digital methods was, while challenging, still essential in allowing the participants to share their stories in a unique way. Digital storytelling is, according to the preliminary outcome, a promising tool for working with people suffering from dementia in order for them to create stories and interact with others through these stories, as well as to share and preserve them in a rewarding and meaningful way.(Park, 2017, 1, 9)
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