End-of-Life Dreams and Visions: A Longitudinal Study of Hospice Patients' Experiences

Abstract

ELDVs are commonly experienced phenomena during the dying process, characterized by a consistent sense of realism and marked emotional significance. These dreams/visions may be a profound source of potential meaning and comfort for the dying, and therefore warrant clinical attention and further research.

A Thematic Literature Review

“…Incorrectly administering medication to treat potential delirium would risk depriving patients of the comfort and reassurance of the phenomena that was so vital at the end of life. 19,36 All 11 articles reported that transcendence phenomena provided spiritual comfort for dying patients. 19,23,30,[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38] Several studies described the feeling of solace as being tremendous and overpowering.…”

“…19,36 All 11 articles reported that transcendence phenomena provided spiritual comfort for dying patients. 19,23,30,[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38] Several studies described the feeling of solace as being tremendous and overpowering. 30,32,37,38 The theme was categorized further to explore whether the spiritual comfort for patients was reported by the patients themselves, by health care professionals, or by a family member.…”

“…Four of the studies identified the theme of spiritual comfort for patients, as reported by the patients themselves. 23,31,36,37,39,40 Over 60% of the patients in one study rated their transcendence experience as ''comforting or extremely comforting.'' 36(p300) Nosek et al described how patients in their article identified transcendent experience as the origin of their spiritual comfort.…”

“…23 Additionally, the incidence of transcendence phenomena, which were reassuring and increased as death approached, enabled patients to find closure. 36 Spiritual comfort for patients as reported by health care professionals. This concept was identified by a significant proportion of health care professionals in 4 studies.…”

“…31,34,35 The desire to mend family conflicts became paramount for some dying patients as a result of their transcendence experience. 32,34,36 Being able to make amends enhanced patients' inner peace and led to a good and peaceful death.…”