Ando, M., Morita, T., Okamoto, T., & Ninosaka, Y. (2008). One-week Short-Term Life Review interview can improve spiritual well-being of terminally ill cancer patients. Psycho-Oncology, 17, 885-890.

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To assess the efficacy of a Short-Term Life Review process on spiritual well- being, anxiety, depression, suffering, and happiness in terminally ill patients with cancer

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

The intervention was Short-Term Life Review completed with a psychologist, who then created an album based on the participant’s interview. In the first part, participants reviewed their life, and in the second, they reevaluated, reconstructed, and appreciated their life. In the second session, the album was reviewed with the participant.

Sample Characteristics

  • The study reported on a sample of 30 patients with cancer.
  • Mean patient age was 74 years (SD = 9.1).
  • The sample was 73.3% female and 26.7% male.
  • Multiple tumor sites were represented.
  • Of the sample, 90% had no specific religious affiliation, and 96.7% were married.
  • Mean time from interview to death was 67 days.

Setting

  • Single site
  • Inpatient setting
  • Japan

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • Patients were undergoing the end-of-life phase of care.
  • The study has clinical applicability for end-of-life and palliative care.

Study Design

A prospective pre/post-test design was used.

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp) – Japanese version
  • Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) – Japanese version
  • Numeric rating scales for suffering (0–6) and happiness (1–7)

Results

Anxiety and depression scores significantly decreased (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The Short-Term Life Review process is feasible for terminally ill patients and appears to be beneficial to reduce anxiety and depression, reduce suffering, and improve happiness.

Limitations

  • Statistical significance may not impart sufficient clinical significance for such an intensive intervention.
  • The study did not have a control group.

Nursing Implications

  • Cultural differences may affect efficacy; further study is required.
  • The intervention was completed by a trained psychologist and required a large time investment to create the album.