Effects of dignity therapy on terminally ill patients: a systematic review

Authors

  • Suzana Cristina Teixeira Donato Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Jéssica Yumi Matuoka Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem
  • Camila Cristófero Yamashita Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo
  • Marina de Goés Salvetti Universidade de São Paulo; Escola de Enfermagem; Departamento de Enfermagem Médico-Cirúrgica

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0080-623420160000700019

Keywords:

Palliative Care, Terminally Ill, Psychotherapy, Brief, Quality of Life, Holistic Nursing, Review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE Analyzing the evidence of the effects of dignity therapy onterminally ill patients. METHOD A Systematic review of the literature conducted using the search strategy in six databases. Inclusion criteria were primary studies, excluding literature reviews (systematic or not) and conceptual articles. RESULTS Ten articles were analyzed regarding method, results and evidence level. Dignity therapy improved the sense of meaning andpurpose, will to live, utility, quality of life, dignity and family appreciationin studies with a higher level of evidence. The effects are not well established in relation to depression, anxiety, spirituality and physical symptoms. CONCLUSION Studies with a moderate to high level of evidence have shown increased sense of dignity, will to live and sense of purpose. Further studies should be developed to increase knowledge about dignity therapy.

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Published

2016-12-01

Issue

Section

Review

How to Cite

Effects of dignity therapy on terminally ill patients: a systematic review. (2016). Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 50(6), 1014-1024. https://doi.org/10.1590/s0080-623420160000700019