Dignity therapy: family member perspectives.

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Psychosocial Oncology
• Bereavement Studies

Background:

• Dignity Therapy addresses psychosocial and existential distress in terminally ill patients.
• It involves recording patient discussions into a generativity document for loved ones.
• Previous research highlighted benefits for patients; this study focuses on family perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Dignity Therapy on terminally ill patients from the perspective of their bereaved family members.
• To assess the effect of the generativity document on family members' bereavement experience.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 60 family members of deceased patients who underwent Dignity Therapy.
• Feedback was collected on the therapy's impact on both the patient and the family.

Main Results:

• 95% of family members reported Dignity Therapy helped the patient, with significant improvements in dignity, purpose, and preparation for death.
• 65% felt it reduced patient suffering, and 65% considered it essential care.
• 78% found the generativity document helpful during grief, and 77% anticipate continued comfort.

Conclusions:

• Bereaved family members strongly endorse Dignity Therapy for terminally ill patients.
• The intervention effectively moderates bereavement, reduces suffering, and provides comfort through the generativity document.