Digital legacy in palliative care and end-of-life care planning : a scoping review

Stanley, Sarah and Hayes, Julie Ann and Mogan, Caroline and Lloyd-Williams, Mari and Nwosu, Amara Callistus and Vasilica, Cristina Mihaela and Higginbotham, Karen (2026) Digital legacy in palliative care and end-of-life care planning : a scoping review. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. ISSN 2045-435X

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Abstract

Background: The need for palliative care is increasing, and it is essential to consider emerging technologies that have the potential to enhance care for palliative patients and their carers. The creation of online content and digital media stored on devices is often described as a digital legacy. There is limited knowledge about how digital legacy is included in planning for the end of life. Aims: To conduct a scoping review of the literature to describe healthcare professionals, patients receiving palliative care, caregivers and bereaved people’s experience of including digital legacy in planning for the end of life. Methods: A scoping review of the literature was carried out. The question was formulated using the Population, Exposure, Outcome format as follows: ‘What is known from the existing literature about healthcare professionals, patients receiving palliative care, caregivers, and bereaved people’s experience of including digital legacy in planning for the end-of-life?’ Results: 506 records were screened and 11 were included in the review. A number of examples of the use of digital legacy were identified. Themes identified from the literature include digital legacy showing the authentic person, digital legacy evoking emotion, digital legacy to maintain a connection and preparing digital legacy. Conclusion: People receiving palliative care use digital legacy to make memories and capture the essence of their character, often finding time for reflection and creating a sense of empowerment. A person’s digital legacy could be discussed with healthcare professionals and others who are important to support in planning for the end of life.