Digital Storytelling as a Method in Health Research: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Digital storytelling aims to illuminate complex narratives of health and illness when used as a method in health research. Digital stories are three to five minute videos that integrate written and narrated stories with multiple aesthetic components. There is increasing interest in digital storytelling as a research method, yet there is limited synthesized knowledge about its use. A systematic review to advance methodological understanding was warranted. Our systematic review purpose was to identify and synthesize evidence on the use, impact, and ethical considerations of digital storytelling as a method in health research. Key databases and online sources were searched for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies using digital storytelling. Articles with pediatric or adult populations, family members, or healthcare professionals were included. The focus was on digital storytelling in health research, where it was used as a method, at any point in the research process. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full texts to confirm eligibility. We conducted a narrative synthesis of the extracted narrative data. The searches yielded 7285 articles. Following the removal of duplicates and screening, 46 articles met the inclusion criteria, which predominantly used qualitative methodology. An analysis of the extracted data resulted in seven descriptive themes which provided insight into the purpose, definition, process, context, impact and ethical considerations of this method. Digital storytelling is an empowering and disruptive method that captures voice through a process-oriented, flexible approach. It is particularly effective at honouring local and cultural knowledge, and evoking change. Researchers have used consistent facilitation approaches, but theoretical inconsistency, diverse positioning in analysis, and ethical complexity remain significant challenges. These findings provide methodological insight for applying digital storytelling in future research. Systematic review protocol registration: CRD42017068002.