“It Is Within the Gift of Filmmakers and TV Producers to Educate Society on the Living that Happens for People with Life-Limiting Conditions”: A Mixed-Method Study of Health Care Staff About the Portrayal of Children and Young People with Life-Limiti

BACKGROUND: Given the increasing prevalence of children and young people with life-limiting conditions (CYP LLC), media plays a pivotal role in shaping public understanding, highlighting both the challenges and realities faced by these children and their families. OBJECTIVES: This study explores health care staff perceptions of the portrayal of CYP LLC in media, focusing on the roles of media, accuracy of portrayals, and their impact on society. DESIGN: The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from the modified Palliative Care Knowledge Scale and thematic analysis of qualitative responses to open-ended questions. SETTING: Participants were health care workers in a tertiary pediatric hospital in the Republic of Ireland. RESULTS: While many health care professionals viewed media as a valuable tool for education, there were concerns about misrepresentation and the emotional impact of dramatized content. Respondents highlighted the difficulty in balancing accurate, sensitive depictions with the entertainment-driven nature of television and film. They stressed the need for collaboration with families and professionals to improve media portrayals, ensuring they reflect the complexities of CYP LLC. The study identified three major themes: (1) The media's role in information transmission about CYP LLC, (2) The current status and future vision for media portrayals, and (3) The impact of these portrayals on public perceptions and health care practices. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the need for improved media guidelines, increased collaboration between health care and media professionals, and more thoughtful representation of CYP LLC in popular media to support better societal awareness and inclusion.