Improving Patient, Carer and Colleague Experiences and Outcomes
The Accessible Digital Stories Framework supports patients, carers and colleagues to share their experiences through digital storytelling. These stories help us understand what matters most to people, identify opportunities for improvement and celebrate positive experiences across Sirona care & health.
What Is a Digital Story?
A digital story is a short film or audio recording, typically lasting between two and four minutes, where an individual shares their experience in their own words.
Stories are usually created using:
- A recorded voiceover
- Photographs or images chosen by the storyteller
- Optional background music
- Video footage where appropriate
Storytellers can choose whether they wish to appear on screen or remain anonymous.
Why Do We Create Digital Stories?
Digital stories help us to:
Understand Experiences
Gain valuable insight into the experiences of patients, carers and colleagues using Sirona services.
Improve Services
Identify what is working well and where changes may be needed to improve care and support.
Support Learning and Reflection
Stories help staff better understand the impact of their work, encourage reflection and support continuous improvement.
Understand the Whole Journey
Experiences often extend beyond clinical appointments. Stories can highlight waiting times, recovery periods, communication and other important parts of a person’s journey through health and care services.
Recognise Staff Experiences
Sharing staff stories helps ensure colleagues feel heard, valued and involved in service improvement.
Measure Improvement
Stories can be collected over time to understand whether service changes have made a positive difference.
Who Can Share a Story?
We welcome stories from:
- Patients and service users
- Family members and carers
- Sirona colleagues
- Participants in co-design groups
- Individuals who have provided feedback or made a complaint
- People involved in service improvement projects
Stories may be self-referred or suggested through services, managers, clinicians or the Experience and Complaints Team.
How Can I Share My Story?
You can contact the Experience and Engagement Team directly if you would like to share your experience.
Information about digital storytelling may also be shared through:
- Posters and leaflets in service locations
- Patient feedback and complaints processes
- Co-design and engagement activities
- Recommendations from clinical or operational teams
Patients and service users can express an interest at any time.
Consent and Confidentiality
Participation in digital storytelling is entirely voluntary.
Before any recording takes place:
- Explicit consent will be obtained
- The intended use of the story will be explained
- Individuals can decide how their story is shared
- Storytellers may choose to remain anonymous
No story will be used without the individual’s agreement.
Ownership of Your Story
Your experience belongs to you.
Sirona will only use recordings in accordance with the consent provided and will not monetise digital stories. If you later decide you no longer want your story used, you can contact us to discuss withdrawing your consent.
Safeguarding and Safety
The wellbeing of storytellers is our priority.
If information is shared that raises concerns about:
- Adult safeguarding
- Child safeguarding
- Patient safety
- Staff safety
Sirona has a duty to act and may need to share information with the appropriate safeguarding teams.
Supporting Storytellers
We aim to make the process as comfortable and accessible as possible.
We will:
- Provide clear information about the process
- Respect an individual’s decision to stop at any time
- Ensure participation is voluntary
- Discuss any concerns before recording
- Support storytellers throughout the process
We recognise that sharing personal experiences can be emotional and will offer appropriate support where required.
How Stories Are Collected
Digital stories are gathered through conversations in a safe and supportive environment.
The storyteller leads the conversation while the listener:
- Listens carefully and respectfully
- Uses open questions to understand experiences
- Avoids making assumptions or offering solutions
- Focuses on understanding the story from the storyteller’s perspective
Stories are normally collected in a quiet and private location.
Audio, Images and Video
Stories may be created using:
Audio Recording
Audio recordings allow storytellers to focus on sharing their experience while ensuring the conversation is captured accurately.
Images and Photographs
Where possible, Sirona images will be used. Additional images may be sourced from approved stock image libraries where appropriate.
Filming
Some stories may be recorded as video.
Video stories may include:
- Subtitles
- Accessibility features
- Supporting imagery
- Additional editing to improve clarity and engagement
How Stories Are Used
Digital stories may be shared to support learning and improvement across Sirona.
This may include:
- Team meetings
- Service improvement discussions
- Training and development sessions
- Patient and carer engagement activities
- Leadership and Board meetings
Stories are shared only in accordance with the consent provided by the storyteller.
What Happens After a Story Is Shared?
Sharing a story should lead to meaningful learning and action.
Services may:
- Review feedback and learning points
- Develop improvement plans
- Monitor progress against actions
- Share outcomes with relevant teams
Where requested, storytellers will receive feedback about how their story has contributed to service improvement.
Storage and Information Governance
Digital stories are stored securely and managed in accordance with information governance requirements.
This includes:
- Secure storage of recordings and edited files
- Removal of temporary files when no longer required
- Controlled access to story content
- Retention only where appropriate consent exists
Contact Us
If you would like to share your experience or learn more about digital storytelling, please contact the Experience and Engagement Team.
Your story can help us improve services, celebrate good practice and ensure that the voices of patients, carers and colleagues continue to shape the future of care.
