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Kim K, Woo J. Characteristics and Effectiveness of Individual Psychotherapy for Palliative and End-of-Life Care: A Literature Review for Randomized Controlled Trials. Psychiatry Investig 2024; 21:433-448. [PMID: 38810992 PMCID: PMC11136579 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2023.0357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The introduction of psychotherapy in palliative and end-of-life care settings has become increasingly common and is effective in decreasing many psychological problems. This review reports the characteristics and effectiveness of individual psychotherapeutic interventions for patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care. In addition, the review reports the effectiveness of psychotherapies considering the expected life expectancy. METHODS The PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for English-language articles published between January 2000 to May 2023. RESULTS Twenty-six studies were included and classified into a total of nine types of psychotherapies, namely, dignity therapy (DT), life review therapy, narrative therapy, managing cancer and living meaningfully (CALM), individual meaning-centered psychotherapy, meaning and purpose therapy, meaning-making therapy, meaning-of-life therapy, and cognitive therapy. CONCLUSION Most of the psychotherapies provided to patients receiving palliative and end-of-life care showed effectiveness in the reduction of negative emotions and positive factors related to end-of-life issues. Most studies targeted patients with advanced cancer; however, studies on DT did not limit the target group to patients with cancer. Considering the expected life expectancy, CALM was found to be suitable for patients receiving early palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungmin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungmin Woo
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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De Vincenzo F, Lombardo L, Iani L, Maruelli A, Durante S, Ragghianti M, Park CL, Innamorati M, Quinto RM. Spiritual well-being, dignity-related distress and demoralisation at the end of life-effects of dignity therapy: a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2024; 13:e1238-e1248. [PMID: 36702519 DOI: 10.1136/spcare-2022-003696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This single-centre prospective randomised controlled study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dignity therapy on spiritual well-being, demoralisation and dignity-related distress compared with standard palliative care. METHODS A total of 111 terminally ill hospice patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups: dignity therapy plus standard palliative care (intervention group) or standard palliative care alone (control group). The main outcomes were meaning, peace, faith, loss of meaning and purpose, distress and coping ability, existential distress, psychological distress and physical distress. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 7-10 and 15-20 days. RESULTS Following randomisation, 11 dropped out before baseline assessment and 33 after post-treatment assessment. A total of 67 patients completed the study, 35 in the experimental group and 32 in the control group. Repeated measures general linear model showed significant differences between groups on peace and psychological distress over time, but not on existential distress, physical distress, meaning and purpose, distress and coping ability, meaning and faith. Specifically, patients in the dignity therapy intervention maintained similar levels of peace from baseline to follow-up, whereas patients in the control group significantly declined in peace during the same time period. Moreover, psychological distress significantly decreased from pretreatment to post-treatment in the intervention group and increased in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Dignity therapy may be an effective intervention in maintaining sense of peace for terminally ill patients. The findings of our study are of relevance in palliative care and suggest the potential clinical utility of this psychological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luigi Lombardo
- U.O. di Cure Palliative, Fondazione Sanità e Ricerca, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Iani
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alice Maruelli
- Psychology Unit, LILT and Center for Oncological Rehabilitation-CERION of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sieva Durante
- U.O. di Cure Palliative, Fondazione Sanità e Ricerca, Rome, Italy
| | - Matilde Ragghianti
- Psychology Unit, LILT and Center for Oncological Rehabilitation-CERION of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Crystal L Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Marco Innamorati
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Wulandari BT, Rochmawati E. Effectiveness of dignity therapy on well-being among patients under palliative care: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud 2024; 149:104624. [PMID: 37980718 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2023.104624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dignity therapy is a psychotherapeutic intervention that is potentially effective in improving the well-being of patients receiving palliative care. However, the effects of dignity therapy are not well-understood. OBJECTIVE We attempted to determine the effectiveness of dignity therapy in palliative patients to provide evidence that dignity therapy could be used in their care. DESIGN Systematic review. PARTICIPANTS The number of participants from all the studies was 1202 (intervention group, 619 patients; control group, 583 patients). METHODS The review was reported according to the updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020. Relevant studies were collected with database searching of PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest Health & Medical Complete, CINAHL, and Psych Info databases from the inception of dignity therapy in 2002 to 2022. Literature was selected to identify trials of dignity therapy in patients with palliative care needs including cancer and non-cancer condition. Critical appraisal was performed independently by two reviewers to assess the relevance, reliability, and quality of the included studies. Two independent reviewers extracted data from all the studies. Data were synthesized using Review Manager version 4.5. RESULTS A total of 16 studies involving 1202 participants were included. Most studies were rated as medium quality (n = 10, 62.5 %). The results showed a significant difference between the dignity and control groups in dignity-related distress (MD = -3.54, 95 % CI: [-4.66, -2.42], p < 0.00001), hope (MD = 2.27, 95 % CI: [1.32, 3.22], p < 0.0001), and quality of life (SMD = 0.45, 95 % CI: [0.15, 1.14], p = 0.00). However, no significant difference was observed in depression (MD = -0.44, 95 % CI: [-1.09, 0.20], p = 0.18); anxiety (MD = -0.21, 95 % CI: [-1.68, 1.27], p = 0.78), and spiritual well-being (MD = 2.41, 95 % CI: [-0.82, 5.64], p = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS Dignity therapy was effective in improving dignity-related distress, quality of life, and levels of hope. A meta-analysis found no significant differences in patients' psychological or spiritual well-being. Differences in the providers of dignity therapy in the included studies may be the cause of the different findings regarding the varying effects of dignity therapy. Professional health workers need to be trained as dignity therapists to enhance the visibility of dignity therapy for patients. REGISTRATION CRD42022375319. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT Dignity therapy is an effective and promising intervention in palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erna Rochmawati
- School of Nursing, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
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Kelly C, Kynoch K, Ramis MA. Implementing Dignity Therapy Service into an Acute Cancer Care Setting - A Feasibility Study. J Palliat Care 2023; 38:456-464. [PMID: 36740947 DOI: 10.1177/08258597231154221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Dignity therapy is a short-term psychotherapy used to help patients at end of life through addressing distress and enhancing dignity. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of introducing dignity therapy into a hospital-based cancer care service. Methods: A feasibility study was undertaken using a randomised controlled trial design. Participants were adult patients receiving systemic treatment for cancer or haematological malignancy with palliative intent, within an Australian ambulatory cancer treatment centre. Outcomes of interest were patient distress levels and feasibility of intervention delivery. Participants completed two self-reported distress scales at recruitment and four weeks following (control group) or one month after intervention delivery (intervention group). Patients receiving the intervention also completed the dignity therapy patient feedback questionnaire. Feasibility was measured by collecting data on time required to implement the intervention with subsequent crude cost estimates calculated. Study procedures are reported according to CONSORT guidance. Results: Fifteen patients were recruited for the study. Participants in the intervention group reported small but significantly different lower distress scores than those in the control group at 4 weeks. The time taken to deliver the intervention ranged from 5.5 to 11 h with subsequent cost dependent on the remuneration of the dignity therapy therapist. Conclusions: Findings support other studies on the benefit to patients from delivering a dignity therapy intervention at end of life. Feasibility is influenced by multidisciplinary team support, resource availability and the designated therapist delivering the intervention. Larger sample sizes are needed to ascertain effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Kelly
- Mater Health, Raymond Terrace, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kathryn Kynoch
- Mater Health and Queensland Centre for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Newstead, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mary-Anne Ramis
- Mater Health and Queensland Centre for Evidence Based Nursing and Midwifery: A JBI Centre of Excellence, Newstead, Brisbane, Australia
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Rom-Arjona B, Atanacio E, Crisologo D, Narvaez RA. Impact of Environment and Milieu Therapy in Palliative Care. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231180235. [PMID: 37258425 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231180235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The collaborative approach offered by palliative care benefits both patients and their caregivers. They provide a system of support that enables patients to lead as active a life as possible. This integrative review aimed to find out whether milieu and environment therapy has a significant impact on palliative care patients. Analyses and summaries of seventeen (17) papers were completed. There were three themes identified: environmental factors for quality of life, milieu therapy in forms of arts and music, and milieu therapy is safe, structured, and psychotherapeutic. This review demonstrates that milieu and environment therapy may also help to reduce physical symptoms, such as pain, and enhance quality of life. The study suggests that even if there are many interventions for palliative patients, more research is needed to generate a more thorough evaluation of the efficacy of various environmental control components and milieu therapies for palliative care patients.
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Lee JL, Jeong Y. The Effect of Dignity Therapy on Terminally-Ill Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 52:10-22. [PMID: 36824250 PMCID: PMC9941428 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i1.11661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background We aimed to evaluate the effect of dignity therapy on the dignity, distress, and quality of life of terminally-ill adult patients. Methods All randomized controlled trials published prior to Jan 2021 were searched through database, including PubMed, Medline, OVID, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest Central, KMBASE, KoreaMed, NDSL, and RISS. The RoB 2 was used to assess risk of bias. Effect sizes, Hedge's g and Higgins I 2 -statistics were used for meta-analysis. Results We finally identified 10 studies for a systematic review, and eight studies out of them were selected for a meta-analysis. Overall, 776 participants were included in the meta-analysis. There were significant differences between with and without dignity therapy groups in dignity and anxiety (SMD = -0.3805, Cl = -0.5606, -0.2004; SMD = -0.1932, Cl = -0.3774, -0.0090, respectively) while there was no significant difference in quality of life and depression (SMD=0.4678, Cl = -0.0989, 1.0345; SMD= -0.0513, Cl= -0.2461, 0.1434, respectively). Conclusion Dignity therapy may be effective for terminally ill patients on dignity and anxiety. We suggested further empirical studies with dignity therapy and repetitive meta-analysis in the future due to heterogeneity of the studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Lim Lee
- Department of Nursing, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Younhee Jeong
- College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea,Corresponding Author:
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Guan T, Qan’ir Y, Conklin JL, Zimba CC, Bula A, Jumbo W, Wella K, Mapulanga P, Bingo SA, Chilemba E, Haley J, Montano NP, Bryant AL, Song L. Systematic review of psychosocial interventions for adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2199062. [PMID: 37054448 PMCID: PMC10623887 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2199062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is becoming a public health issue in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This systematic review aims to synthesise psychosocial interventions and their effects on the health outcomes of adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in SSA. We identified eligible publications in English language from PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus with Full Text, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and African Index Medicus databases. We included psychosocial interventions targeted adult cancer patients/survivors or their family caregivers in SSA. This review identified five psychosocial interventions from six studies that support adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in SSA. The interventions focused on providing informational, psycho-cognitive, and social support. Three interventions significantly improved quality of life outcomes for cancer patients and their caregivers. Significant gaps exist between the rapidly increasing cancer burdens and the limited psychosocial educational interventions supporting adult cancer patients and their families in SSA. The reviewed studies provide preliminary evidence on development and testing interventions that aim to improve patients' and caregivers' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guan
- School of Social Work, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Yousef Qan’ir
- Faculty of Nursing, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Jamie L. Conklin
- Health Sciences Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Agatha Bula
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Wongani Jumbo
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Project, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | | | | | | | - Jennifer Haley
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Ashley Leak Bryant
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Lixin Song
- School of Nursing, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Supportive care interventions for cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs): a scoping review. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:9483-9496. [PMID: 35962827 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07319-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In high-income countries (HICs), supportive care is often used to assist cancer patients as they seek treatment and beyond. However, in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), where more than 70% of all cancer-related deaths occur [1], the provision of supportive care has not been assessed. The purpose of this scoping review is to assess the type of supportive care interventions for cancer patients across the cancer care continuum in LMICs. METHODS We examined published articles reporting on supportive care interventions in LMICs. Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic search of PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. We limited the scope to original research studies focused on LMICs, studies concerning any type of supportive care intervention for adult cancer patients, from diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment. RESULTS Thirty-five studies met the criteria for inclusion in the scoping review. The majority were randomized clinical trials (RCT) or used a quasi-experimental design. The highest number of studies (n = 23) was implemented in the WHO Eastern-Mediterranean region, followed by South-East Asia (n = 6), Africa (n = 4), and Western-Pacific Regions (n = 2). Most studies focused on women's cancers and included interventions for psychosocial support, symptom management, health literacy/education, and patient navigation. CONCLUSIONS Although we found only a small number of interventions being conducted in these settings, our results suggest that providing different types of supportive services in less-resourced settings, even when health systems are fragmented and fragile, can improve mental health, physical health, and the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients.
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Buonaccorso L, Alquati S, Ghirotto L, Annini A, Tanzi S. Dignity Therapy Training for the Healthcare Professionals: Lessons Learned From an Italian Experience. Front Psychol 2022; 13:859775. [PMID: 35959033 PMCID: PMC9358283 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.859775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dignity therapy (DT) is brief psychotherapy targeting psychological and existential suffering among patients with a life-limiting illness. Studies have been conducted on the use of DT by healthcare professionals. In Italy, the current legislation defines that any form of psychotherapy may be performed exclusively by psychotherapists. Consequently, this intervention is unlikely to be used by other healthcare professionals. Herein, we will describe a training on DT not as a psychotherapy intervention but as a narrative intervention for non-psychotherapists health care professionals. Finally, we will explore the potential enablers/barriers as experienced by palliative care physicians and nurses. Methods The study was conducted in the Psycho-Oncology Unit within the Cancer Research Hospital of Reggio Emilia (Italy). It consisted of an exploratory qualitative case study. Data were collected employing observations and interview data and thematically analyzed. Results The training was attended by six physicians and ten nurses and took place during two-afternoon sessions for 10 h. Two participants put their training into practice and administered DT under the supervision of a psychotherapist. Data analysis highlighted five overarching themes relating to the training experience and direct use of DT, namely, (i) time required, (ii) psychological skills, (iii) patient’s disease awareness, (iv) patient’s life history, and (v) distinguishing DT from Advance Care Planning. Conclusion Palliative care professionals found DT to be a valuable non-pharmacological hospital-based intervention to address the person beyond the patient and his clinical conditions. In our experience, considering that in Italy, psychotherapy is an intervention that psychotherapists can only perform, it can help organize different training on DT for psychotherapists and other healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Buonaccorso
- Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL—IRCSS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Loredana Buonaccorso,
| | - Sara Alquati
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL—IRCSS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Luca Ghirotto
- Qualitative Research Unit, Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL—IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alice Annini
- Scientific Directorate, Azienda USL—IRCSS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Silvia Tanzi
- Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL—IRCSS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
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Schweighoffer R, Schumacher AM, Blaese R, Walter S, Eckstein S. A Systematic Review and Bayesian Network Meta-Analysis Investigating the Effectiveness of Psychological Short-Term Interventions in Inpatient Palliative Care Settings. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137711. [PMID: 35805365 PMCID: PMC9265936 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
This paper reviews and summarises the evidence of short-term psychosocial interventions (up to 12 sessions delivered within less than eight weeks) on anxiety, depression, and emotional distress in palliative patients in inpatient settings. We screened publications from the following five databases, Embase, PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL, from their inception to 10 September 2021. The eligible studies included controls receiving standard palliative care, actively treated controls, and wait-list controls. Nine studies met the eligibility criteria and reported the effects of five psychosocial interventions in a total of N = 543 patients. We followed PRISMA-guidelines for outcome reporting and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for assessing study quality. This paper used the network meta-analysis to compare multiple treatments by providing greater statistical power and the cross-validation of observed treatment effects, using the R package BUGSnet. Compared to control groups, the following psychosocial interventions in inpatient settings showed to be superior: life review interventions were the best ranked treatment for improving anxiety and distress, while the top ranked treatment for reducing depression was outlook intervention. The short-term psychosocial interventions investigated in this meta-analysis, especially life review intervention, are feasible and can potentially improve anxiety, depression, and distress in palliative inpatients and should therefore be offered in inpatient settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reka Schweighoffer
- Department for Clinical Research, University of Basel, Missionstrasse 64, 4055 Basel, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea M. Schumacher
- Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Missionsstasse 62, 4055 Basel, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Richard Blaese
- Department of Psychology, University of Basel, Missionsstasse 62, 4055 Basel, Switzerland; (A.M.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Silke Walter
- Chief Medical and Chief Nursing Office, Department of Practice Development and Research, University Hospital Basel, Hebelstr. 2, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
- Department of Palliative Care, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Sandra Eckstein
- Department of Palliative Care, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
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Nursing, psychotherapy and advanced cancer: A scoping review. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2021; 56:102090. [PMID: 35026499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2021.102090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Many individuals with advanced cancer have unmet psychological needs and often lack access to supportive care. Psychotherapy for adults with advanced cancer is a promising way to address some of the challenges in meeting these care needs. Nurses are the largest cohort of healthcare workers who can practice as psychotherapists and are positioned ideally to integrate these interventions as part of routine care. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the literature on psychotherapeutic interventions among adults with advanced cancer and to explore the nursing role in this body of evidence. METHODS We conducted a scoping review for relevant quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies. The content of included studies was analyzed and grouped based on two broad categories that describe how nursing's role was mentioned, described, and utilized: 1. Nurses are not the interventionist/psychotherapist and, 2. Nurses are mentioned as the interventionist/psychotherapist. RESULTS Eighty-six studies were included. Overall, majority of studies did not mention a role for nursing in any capacity. Some studies mentioned a non-interventionist role for nursing in the research study. Fourteen studies mentioned nurses as interventionists/psychotherapists. These studies focused on feasibility, acceptability and patient related outcomes of brief psychotherapies. Dignity therapy was the most common psychotherapy in studies where nurses were utilized as interventionists, followed by life review and supportive expressive therapies. Very few studies discussed nursing's role in this area and nursing's capacity to deliver this form of care. CONCLUSION There is paucity in nursing research focused on psychotherapy for adults with advanced cancer. It is feasible and acceptable for nurses to deliver brief psychotherapies to adults with advanced cancer, and the integration of these techniques in everyday practice has great potential that must be explored. The development of this knowledge base is needed to support future education, research, and practice policy agendas.
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