Home-Based Hypnosis: A Feasibility Study for End-of-Life Patients and Their Relatives

Palliative care patients facing the end of their life often experience severe symptoms and seek complementary therapies for relief and improved well-being. Clinical hypnosis is a promising mind-body therapy in palliative settings, benefiting both patients and their relatives. Nevertheless, access at the end-of-life can be limited due to symptom severity and restricted mobility.

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based hypnosis intervention for end-of-life patients to alleviate symptoms and for their relatives to enhance coping resources.

A mixed-method observational feasibility study was conducted from February 2022 to January 2023 in French-speaking Switzerland. Participants included 32 end-of-life patients and 14 relatives, receiving weekly 20-25-minute hypnosis sessions over four weeks. Quantitative data on symptom intensity and well-being were collected using numeric rating scales, while qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with those who completed the intervention.

Eighteen patients and eight relatives completed the four-sessions. Significant reductions were observed in patient anxiety (median 6.5-2.0, P=.001) and pain (median 5.0 to 3.0, P=.001). Patient well-being improved across all sessions (median 5-7, P=.001). Relatives reported increased well-being (median 5.0-8.0, P=.001), serenity (median 5.0-8.0, P=.001), and energy levels (median 5.0-7.5, P=.042). High levels of satisfaction and frequent use of self-hypnosis recordings were noted.

A home-based hypnosis intervention was feasible and seemed beneficial for both end-of-life patients and their relatives, reducing symptoms and enhancing coping resources. Future research should build upon these findings to further support the integration of complementary therapies into standard palliative care practices.