Implementing Dignity Therapy Service into an Acute Cancer Care Setting - A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Psychotherapy
• Oncology

Background:

• Dignity therapy is a short-term psychotherapy.
• It aims to help end-of-life patients by addressing distress and enhancing dignity.
• This study assessed its effectiveness and feasibility in hospital-based cancer care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of dignity therapy in reducing distress among cancer patients.
• To assess the feasibility of implementing dignity therapy within an ambulatory cancer treatment setting.
• To explore the time and cost implications of delivering dignity therapy.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial feasibility study was conducted.
• Adult patients with advanced cancer or hematological malignancy were recruited.
• Distress levels were measured using self-reported scales pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• Fifteen patients were recruited.
• The intervention group reported significantly lower distress scores at 4 weeks compared to the control group.
• Intervention delivery time ranged from 5.5 to 11 hours, with costs varying by therapist remuneration.

Conclusions:

• Findings support the benefits of dignity therapy for end-of-life patients.
• Feasibility is linked to multidisciplinary support, resources, and therapist designation.
• Larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm the intervention's effect.