A Meaning-Making Conversation: A Formative Mixed Method Pilot Study of a Brief Intervention for Patients Living...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychology
• Spiritual Care

Background:

• Patients with incurable cancer face existential concerns due to long-term prognosis and inevitable end-of-life outcomes.
• A novel intervention, a one-hour meaning-making conversation with a spiritual counselor, was developed to address these concerns.
• This intervention facilitates exploration of personal sources of meaning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate patient experiences and perceived benefits of the meaning-making conversation.
• To gather insights for refining the intervention for patients with advanced cancer.
• To assess the impact on existential wellbeing, problems, and needs.

Main Methods:

• A formative mixed-method pilot study was conducted.
• Qualitative data from evaluation interviews and quantitative data from validated questionnaires were collected pre- and post-intervention.
• Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data, comparing themes by intervention timing and patient-reported existential concerns.

Main Results:

• Patients experiencing existential concerns reported appreciation and benefits like reflection, validation, and insight.
• Patients without existential concerns showed mixed experiences, with some reporting no benefits or negative outcomes.
• Quantitative data indicated a reduction in existential problems and needs, alongside an increase in existential wellbeing post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• The meaning-making conversation effectively supports meaning-making processes for long-term patients with incurable cancer.
• The intervention shows promise in improving existential wellbeing and reducing distress.
• Future refinement should target patients actively experiencing existential concerns for optimal benefit.