Hospice staff perspectives on Dignity Therapy.

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Psychotherapy
• Healthcare Staff Perceptions

Background:

• Dignity Therapy (DT) is a brief end-of-life psychotherapy.
• Prior research focused on patient/family outcomes, not staff perspectives.
• This study addresses the gap in understanding hospice staff views on DT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore hospice staff perspectives on the impact and value of Dignity Therapy.
• To identify staff reasons for referring patients to Dignity Therapy.
• To assess staff beliefs about Dignity Therapy's benefits and barriers.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews and ratings from 18 hospice staff members who referred patients.
• Analysis of staff referrals, perceived patient impact, and treatment beliefs.
• Thematic analysis of qualitative interview responses.

Main Results:

• Staff rated Dignity Therapy as worthwhile and effective in reducing pain/suffering.
• 100% of staff would recommend DT; 92% believed it benefits families.
• Staff viewed DT as positive, affirming, and justified, leading to increased patient connection and job satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• Hospice staff consider Dignity Therapy a valuable service enhancing end-of-life patient care quality.
• Implementing Dignity Therapy can improve staff job satisfaction and patient connection.
• Findings support clinicians and leaders considering Dignity Therapy in hospice settings.