Testing the feasibility of the Dignity Therapy interview: adaptation for the Danish culture
نویسندگان
چکیده
BACKGROUND 'Dignity Therapy' (DT) is a brief, flexible intervention, which allows patients to complete an interview and create a document regarding their life, identity and what they want to leave in writing for their loved ones. DT is based on the DT Question Protocol. Developed and tested in English speaking settings, DT has proven to be a feasible and effective way to enhance patient dignity, while diminishing suffering and depression. The aim of this study was to test the acceptability and feasibility of the DT Question Protocol among Danish health professionals and cancer patients, and to obtain preliminary estimates of patient uptake for DT. These results will be used to inform a larger evaluation study. METHOD Ten professionals were interviewed about their perception of DT and the Question Protocol. It was then tested with 20 patients at two palliative care sites and one gynecologic oncology department. Data was analyzed using content analysis techniques to evaluate the protocol for relevance, acceptability and comprehension. The interest and relevance of the intervention was also determined by examining the preliminary participation rate. RESULTS Overall, DT was perceived to be comprehensible and relevant. Professionals highlighted six concerns that might warrant modification. These issues were examined using patient data. Some of their concerns overlapped with those raised by the professionals (e.g. 'unacceptable self-praise' and 'interference with the lives of others'). Tailoring DT to Danish culture required easily accommodated adjustments to the procedures and the DT Question Protocol. Some concerns expressed by health professionals may have reflected protectiveness toward the patients. While the intervention was relevant and manageable for patients admitted to palliative care, DT was less easily implemented at the gynecologic oncology department. CONCLUSION Based on patients' and professionals' reaction to the DT Question Protocol, and based on the preliminary proportion of participants accepting DT, the DT question protocol - with minor adaptations - appears to be a manageable, acceptable and relevant intervention for Danish patients admitted to palliative care.
منابع مشابه
Living well with dementia: enhancing dignity and quality of life, using a novel intervention, Dignity Therapy.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of Dignity Therapy to improve the quality of life and reduce psychological and spiritual distress in older people with early stage dementia. BACKGROUND Dementia is a syndrome with several causes that leads to a progressive decline in multiple areas of functioning. The maintenance of dignity and enhancemen...
متن کاملKnowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Extreme Environments and Cold Adaptation at Extreme Altitudes on the Himalayan Ranges
Introduction: Extreme-altitudes (5500 m/18045 ft and higher) pose environmental, psychophysiological, infrastructural, logistic, and ergonomic challenges that question explorer’s adaptability and mission-efficiency due to isolation, monotony, intimidating environment and terse health conditions. The assessment of an explorer’s comprehensive adaptability in extreme-altitudes is ...
متن کاملOnm-6: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Hypnotic Effect in Positive Adaptation And Reduce Anxiety in Infertile Women
Background Many researchers believe that it is one of the most stressful events in patients’ lives. A considerable number of studies have consistently reported that infertility associates with psycho- logical distress and losses of hope, esteem and social roles by repeatedly attempting to have a baby but failing to achieve it. The measure of adaptation as one of the most important variables of ...
متن کاملThe Effect of Dignity Therapy on Human Dignity in Patients with Chronic Renal Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis
Background: Chronic renal failure is a life-threatening condition; patients due to the prolonged stress are very susceptible to mental health problems. Dignity therapy is a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of psychological problems for patients who suffer from life-threatening illnesses. Aim: This study examined the impact of dignity therapy on human dignity in patients undergoing he...
متن کاملRevie ⊕: the influence of a life review intervention including a positive, patient-centered approach towards enhancing the personal dignity of patients with advanced cancer—a study protocol for a feasibility study using a mixed method investigation
BACKGROUND It is generally recognized that existential concerns must be addressed to promote the dignity of patients with advanced cancer. A number of interventions have been developed in this regard, such as dignity therapy and other life review interventions (LRI). However, so far, none have focused on a positive approach or evaluated its effects on dignity and personal growth. This study aim...
متن کامل