Translating science into practice – Piloting a 7-item rating scale assessing key elements of digital storytelling projects

Purpose: This study illustrates how digital storytelling (DS) can be used and assessed as a new way of translating research into practice. Methods: A scale was developed to assess the seven key DS elements suggested by the Center for Digital Storytelling: point of view, dramatic question, emotional content, voice, soundtrack, economy, and pacing. Doctoral students in a major core course on “Human Ecology of Health and Illness” worked on semester-long DS projects, synthesizing existing literature and incorporating ecological framework in their analysis of major risk factors and culturally relevant strategies, to address health disparities for underserved groups on priority health issues. The 7-item 5-point Liker DS scale along with an overall effectiveness item was used to assess the quality of their DS projects. Results: A total of six projects developed by 6 pairs of students were used to pilot the DS scale, with each student rated the other 5 projects plus the instructor rating all the projects (valid n=65). Data showed satisfactory internal consistencies (Cronbach's alpha=.78; CITC ranged .34~.68). Item means ranged between 3.94~4.62 (SD ranged .55~1.07). The scores of the overall effectiveness item and the average of the 7-item scale showed no statistical difference, although students tended to rated higher on the overall item than the average of individual items combined. The mean plots of the seven key elements by the six projects will be shared. Conclusions: The study describes an innovative way of measuring and translating evidence-based and framework-guided knowledge to public health practice.