PP-34 Co-designing a digital meaning-making and legacy leaving intervention for young people with life-limiting conditions: the DIGNISPACE study
Year: 2025
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Introduction Dignity Therapy (DT) is a psycho-therapeutic end-of-life intervention supporting life review, meaning making and legacy leaving. DT is well-established with adults, impacting positively on mental well-being. Evidence and consultation work suggests young people (YP) with life-limiting conditions (LLCs) would welcome a tailored digital DT based intervention. Aim To co-design a digital DT based intervention, called DIGNISPACE, for YP with LLCs. Methods Qualitative methods included focus groups with health professionals (n=23), semi-structured interviews with YP with LLCs (n=13) and family carers (n=12). Data were analysed using framework approach. Participants were recruited from hospices in the North of England. An advisory group of YP with LLC and carers supported the study and content of the DIGNISPACE prototype. Results Three themes were derived from the data: 1) Intervention purpose including amendments to the DT question protocol; 2) App components, content, and delivery; 3) Networks and support systems. Findings informed a model of dignity in YP with LLCs and the DIGNISPACE prototype, a digital time capsule of memories, thoughts, and creative activities personal to the user. DIGNISPACE enables YP to review their lives, talk about memories and leave a legacy. DIGNISPACE helps them address issues challenging to them and can be used alone, or with trained DIGNISPACE supporters, friends, and family. When shared the content will provide comfort for the bereaved. Conclusions DIGNISPACE is a co-created psycho-therapeutic digital intervention aimed at supporting the psycho-spiritual well-being needs of YP with LLCs. DIGNISPACE includes tenets of the model of dignity for YP in its content and delivery. Further research is required to explore DIGNISPACE feasibility. Impact We have created a new model of dignity for young people to shape future interventions. DIGNISPACE is a tool to support individuals’ psycho-spiritual and conversational needs - helping health professionals work more sensitively with young people and families.
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4407285027