Dignity Therapy for End-of-Life Care Patients: A Literature Review

Abstract

Dignity therapy as an intervention has been used for individuals receiving palliative care. The goal of this review is to explore the current state of empirical support to its use for end-of-life care patients. Data sources were articles extracted from search engines PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. The years searched were 2009 to 2019 (10-year period). The review process was guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Results revealed the feasibility, acceptability, satisfaction, and effectiveness of dignity therapy for life-limiting cases/conditions of patients in different age groups. It also highlighted the importance of the therapy setting and the need to apply this in the cultural context. The meaning of dignity therapy to patients and their family care members also emerged. Findings showed most patients displayed the need to leave a legacy and from this their core values surfaced. In conclusion, this review highlighted the contribution of dignity therapy to the holistic care of patients who hope to leave a legacy. The therapy was also relevant to decrease the anxiety; depression, and burden of family members throughout the palliative care period of their loved ones.

Meanings and Experiences of End-of-Life Patients and Their Family Caregivers in Hospital-to-Home Transitions: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study

“…As in previous studies on this issue, our results highlight the positive effects of palliative care, through specialized support networks at home. In this sense, the support of palliative care teams has proved to be essential to alleviating feelings of anguish, depression and caregiver burden and other needs inherent to care [ 65 , 66 ].…”

Effectiveness of dignity therapy in the context of culturally competent care in people with palliative care needs: a systematic review of systematic reviews

“…During the last two decades, there has been a growing number of papers regarding DT concerning psychosocial and spiritual outcomes for people with palliative care needs. Studies have found various benefits, such as decreased anxiety and depression and an improved sense of dignity, meaning and purpose among people approaching the end of their life 1–17▪,18–23▪,24 . DT is a well-accepted, tested and effective intervention; nevertheless, there needs to be a clear cultural understanding of the effectiveness of DT, particularly since it was developed and tested in Western countries.…”

“…This may affect its acceptance and implementation in other countries and cultures. Cultural competence in palliative care is key to delivering dignified and personalised care for individuals with diverse beliefs, values and needs 22,23▪–26 . Understanding the importance of cultural competence is also essential to healthcare policy and training of healthcare professionals across the international spectrum 22,23▪–26 .…”

“…Cultural competence in palliative care is key to delivering dignified and personalised care for individuals with diverse beliefs, values and needs 22,23▪–26 . Understanding the importance of cultural competence is also essential to healthcare policy and training of healthcare professionals across the international spectrum 22,23▪–26 . This paper will be the first systematic review of reviews exploring the importance of cultural competence when using DT to foster greater awareness and acknowledgement of patients’ differing cultural attributes.…”

“…Psychosocial and spiritual outcomes (N = 14),19], three reviews reported that the effect on anxiety was non-significant[12,20,23 …”