Digital life stories: Navigating together – an observation study of healthcare professionals and people living with dementia
- Post by: AHT
- 2 June, 2026
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Authors: Helén Dellkvist, Line Christiansen, Ana Luiza Dallora and Peter Anderberg
Abstract:
Objective: This study, part of a broader project on digital life stories in dementia care, aimed to describe interactions and communication between healthcare professionals and people living with dementia in daycare settings when using digital life stories as a complement to or replacement for written ones.
Methods: With a focused ethnographic approach, 27 observations were conducted in two daycare centres in two municipalities in southern Sweden. The data were analysed in consecutive steps, according to Hammersley and Atkinson.
Results: The observer-identified findings are reported in the following themes: Collaborative engagement; Relational communication, with sub-themes of Verbal communication with visual aids and Non-verbal communication; and Social togetherness.
Conclusion: Digital life stories promote symmetrical, emotionally meaningful interactions by using pictures and profile content to elicit reminiscence and social connection. Interaction quality varies with technological familiarity and group dynamics, underscoring the need for adaptable use. Short, flexible sessions support fluctuating attention, energy, and emotional responses in people living with dementia while enabling spontaneous engagement. Effective implementation requires brief training for healthcare professionals covering technical use, communication strategies, person-centred approaches, and ethical considerations. Portable access and family involvement further strengthen continuity and reduce barriers to integrating digital life stories into routine care.
Keywords: dementia, digital life story, ethnography, interaction, observation study
DOI: 10.1177/20552076261458019