Study | Sample | Implementation | Discussion |
---|---|---|---|
Avery & Savitz, 2011 [44] | US patient with schizoaffective disorder in inpatient psychiatric unit | DT protocol questions used by patient to write life story, prompted by worries of not spending time with family because of illness. Investigator typed and edited narrative and discussed with patient. | • Patient reported that narrative had ‘restored hope’ to him. Patient shared copies of document with loved ones. |
• Investigators note DT could be beneficial for pts with chronic mental illness, “improving patient narratives”. | |||
Avery & Baez, 2012 [43] | US patient with major depressive disorder in inpatient setting | DT protocol used by investigator to aid patient in ‘gaining fresh perspective’ after severe depression following loss of job. | • Patient reported DT aided her in ‘finding hope’, and improved her mood. |
• Investigator notes use of DT to make sense of major life event and loss. | |||
• Investigator posits DT legacy document may be supportive to family members of patients with chronic mental illness. | |||
Hall et al., 2013 [34] | 3 UK patients with advanced cancer in high distress, sample from Hall et al., 2011 [32,33] | Focus on ‘dignity-related problems’ expressed by patients, qualitative review of DT legacy documents. | • Investigators note DT administered in a context of complex and quickly changing circumstances. |
• Distressed patients may find focus on ‘overarching truths, feelings and insights’ as indicated in DT protocol very difficult. | |||
• DT therapeutic relationship is challenging with patients who are distressed given short time-frame of interaction. |