A Portuguese trial using dignity therapy for adults who have a life-threatening disease: qualitative analysis of generativity documents

Julião, M., Sobral, M. A., Johnston, B. , Lemos, A. R., Almeida, S., Antunes, B., Dönmez, Ç. F. and Chochinov, H. M. (2022) A Portuguese trial using dignity therapy for adults who have a life-threatening disease: qualitative analysis of generativity documents. Palliative and Supportive Care, 20(2), pp. 189-195. (doi: 10.1017/S1478951521000754) (PMID:34172103)

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Abstract

Objectives: Dignity therapy (DT) is a brief, individualized intervention, which provides terminally ill patients with an opportunity to convey memories, essential disclosures, and prepare a final generativity document. DT addresses psychosocial and existential issues, enhancing a sense of meaning and purpose. Several studies have considered the legacy topics most frequently discussed by patients near the end of life. To date, no Portuguese study has done that analysis. Method: We conducted a qualitative analysis of 17 generativity documents derived from a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Inductive content analysis was used to identify emerging themes. Results: From the 39 RCT participants receiving DT, 17 gave consent for their generativity document to undergo qualitative analysis. Nine patients were female; mean age of 65 years, with a range from 46 to 79 years. Seven themes emerged: “Significant people and things”; “Remarkable moments”; “Acknowledgments”; “Reflection on the course of life”; “Personal values”; “Messages left to others”; and “Requests and last wishes”. Significance of results: Generativity document analysis provides useful information for patients nearing death, including their remarkable life moments and memories, core values, concerns, and wishes for their loved ones. Being conscious of these dominant themes may allow health providers to support humanized and personalized care to vulnerable patients and their families, enhancing how professionals perceive and respond to personhood within the clinical setting.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Funding: B.A. is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration East of England (ARC EoE) programme. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, or the Department of Health and Social Care.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Donmez, Dr Fulya and Johnston, Professor Bridget
Authors: Julião, M., Sobral, M. A., Johnston, B., Lemos, A. R., Almeida, S., Antunes, B., Dönmez, Ç. F., and Chochinov, H. M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
Journal Name:Palliative and Supportive Care
Publisher:Cambridge University Press
ISSN:1478-9515
ISSN (Online):1478-9523
Published Online:23 June 2021

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