Abbreviated dignity therapy for adults with advanced-stage cancer and their family caregivers: Qualitative analysis of a pilot study

dc.contributor.authorBeck, Adrienne
dc.contributor.authorCottingham, Ann H.
dc.contributor.authorStutz, Patrick V.
dc.contributor.authorGruber, Rachel
dc.contributor.authorBernat, Jennifer K.
dc.contributor.authorHelft, Paul R.
dc.contributor.authorWilhelm, Laura
dc.contributor.authorSchmidt, Karen
dc.contributor.authorStout, Madison E.
dc.contributor.authorWillard, Claire
dc.contributor.authorJohns, Shelley A.
dc.contributor.departmentMedicine, School of Medicineen_US
dc.date.accessioned2020-03-13T13:01:47Z
dc.date.available2020-03-13T13:01:47Z
dc.date.issued2019-06
dc.description.abstractObjective Dignity therapy (DT) is designed to address psychological and existential challenges that terminally ill individuals face. DT guides patients in developing a written legacy project in which they record and share important memories and messages with those they will leave behind. DT has been demonstrated to ease existential concerns for adults with advanced-stage cancer; however, lack of institutional resources limits wide implementation of DT in clinical practice. This study explores qualitative outcomes of an abbreviated, less resource-intensive version of DT among participants with advanced-stage cancer and their legacy project recipients. Method Qualitative methods were used to analyze postintervention interviews with 11 participants and their legacy recipients as well as the created legacy projects. Direct content analysis was used to assess feedback from the interviews about benefits, barriers, and recommendations regarding abbreviated DT. The legacy projects were coded for expression of core values. Result Findings suggest that abbreviated DT effectively promotes (1) self-expression, (2) connection with loved ones, (3) sense of purpose, and (4) continuity of self. Participants observed that leading the development of their legacy projects promoted independent reflection, autonomy, and opportunities for family interaction when reviewing and discussing the projects. Consistent with traditional DT, participants expressed “family” as the most common core value in their legacy projects. Expression of “autonomy” was also a notable finding. Significance of results Abbreviated DT reduces resource barriers to conducting traditional DT while promoting similar benefits for participants and recipients, making it a promising adaptation warranting further research. The importance that patients place on family and autonomy should be honored as much as possible by those caring for adults with advanced-stage cancer.en_US
dc.eprint.versionAuthor's manuscripten_US
dc.identifier.citationBeck, A., Cottingham, A. H., Stutz, P. V., Gruber, R., Bernat, J. K., Helft, P. R., ... & Johns, S. A. (2019). Abbreviated dignity therapy for adults with advanced-stage cancer and their family caregivers: Qualitative analysis of a pilot study. Palliative & supportive care, 17(3), 262-268. 10.1017/S1478951518000482en_US
dc.identifier.issn1478-9515, 1478-9523en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1805/22305
dc.language.isoen_USen_US
dc.publisherCambridge University Pressen_US
dc.relation.isversionof10.1017/S1478951518000482en_US
dc.relation.journalPalliative and Supportive Careen_US
dc.rightsPublisher Policyen_US
dc.sourcePMCen_US
dc.subjectDignity therapyen_US
dc.subjectExistentialen_US
dc.subjectAutonomyen_US
dc.subjectPalliative careen_US
dc.subjectAdvanced-stage canceren_US
dc.titleAbbreviated dignity therapy for adults with advanced-stage cancer and their family caregivers: Qualitative analysis of a pilot studyen_US
dc.typeArticleen_US
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