Background: This study examined the feasibility, burden and acceptability of a legacy-making intervention in adults with cancer and preliminary effects on patient quality-of-life (QOL) measures.
Method: We conducted a Stage IB pilot, intervention study. The intervention was a digital video legacy-making interview of adults with advanced cancer to create a digital video of their memories and experiences. Baseline and post-video QOL assessments included: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), Patient Dignity Inventory (PDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Emotional Thermometers for distress, anxiety, anger, help and depression. Participants received a final copy of the digital video for distribution to their families.
Results: Adults (n = 16) ages 38-83 years old with an advanced or life-limiting cancer diagnosis completed an intervention. Feasibility and acceptability was strong with 0% attrition. While the pilot study was not powered for quantitative significance, there were changes from baseline to post-intervention in the participants' total or subscale FACT-G scores, PDI, HADS anxiety or depression scores, and Emotional Thermometer scores.
Conclusions: A digital video legacy-making intervention is feasible for adults with cancer without significant negative outcomes for individuals completing the study. It remains unclear whether this intervention contributes to positive quality of life outcomes.
Keywords: cancer; legacy-making; quality of life.