Understanding the Impact on Healthcare Professionals of Viewing Digital Stories of Adults with Cancer: A Hermeneutic Study

Authors

  • Dr. Catherine Laing University of Calgary
  • Dr. Nancy J. Moules University of Calgary
  • Dr. Shane Sinclair University of Calgary
  • Dr. Andrew Estefan University of Calgary

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11575/jah.vi0.69756

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the effects on oncology healthcare providers (HCPs), both personally and professionally, of watching digital stories made by adults with cancer (past and present), and what HCPs envisioned for the uses of digital stories. Seven healthcare professionals from various disciplines volunteered for this study. This research took place in a large urban center in Western Canada and was done in the tradition of philosophical hermeneutics. A 90-minute focus group was used for data collection, where participants watched eight digital stories (batched in four groups of two stories) that had been created by individuals with cancer (past or present). Data was analyzed using an interpretive qualitative methodology. Findings revealed that watching digital stories made by adults with cancer was emotionally compelling, provided context, incited deep introspection, and may offer a protective effect with respect to HCP burnout.

Author Biographies

Dr. Catherine Laing, University of Calgary

Associate Professor                                                                   

Faculty of Nursing                                                  

University of Calgary                                                         

2500 University Dr. NW                                                   

Calgary, Alberta                                                      

Canada T2N 1N4                                                    

email: laingc@ucalgary.ca                                     

Phone: 403-210-6635

Dr. Nancy J. Moules, University of Calgary

Nancy J. Moules RN PhD                                     

Professor                                                                 

Faculty of Nursing                                                  

University of Calgary                                             

2500 University Dr. NW                                         

Calgary, Alberta                                                      

Canada T2N 1N4                                                    

email: njmoules@ucalgary.ca

Dr. Shane Sinclair, University of Calgary

Shane Sinclair PhD                                                            

Associate Professor

Faculty of Nursing                                                  

University of Calgary                                             

2500 University Dr. NW                                         

Calgary, Alberta                                                      

Canada T2N 1N4                                                    

email: sinclair@ucalgary.ca  

Dr. Andrew Estefan, University of Calgary

Associate Professor                                                   

Faculty of Nursing                                                  

University of Calgary                                                          

2500 University Dr. NW                                        

Calgary, Alberta                                                      

Canada T2N 1N4                                                    

email: aestefan@ucalgary.ca

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Published

2020-01-19

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Articles