Skip to main content

Table 2 Themes, frequencies and example quotations of HCP views on the DTQP (M1/W1 = chaplain; M4 = psychologist; M3/M5/W0/W3/W6 = physician; M2/W5 = nurse)

From: Feasibility, acceptability and adaption of dignity therapy: a mixed methods study achieving 360° feedback

Main Category

Themes

Frequency M / W

Example Quotation (ID)

Negative aspects of DT

Complex for patients and therapists

2 / 1

The time-consuming process is a disadvantage. (M4); Do we need such a sophisticated concept or don’t you hit on it yourself when getting a serious diagnosis? (W0)

Psychological burden could arise

3 / 5

Negative memories could arise and create psychological burden. (M3); DT could have side effects if unconscious aspects arise. (W6)

Patients fear negative consequences if they decline DT

3 / -

Some patients tell me they’re afraid of being treated less well if they decline something, e.g. students’ teaching courses. (M1)

The name of the intervention is inappropriate

2 / 5

You can’t say DT. This seems inappropriate. (M1); Therapy [in the name of the intervention] is something that people don’t want to have, because they had enough therapy during their illness. (W5)

Application of DT is limited

- / 5

DT is only appropriate for patients with the ability to communicate verbally, be self-reflective and discuss value-based issues. (W3)

Positive aspects

of DT

DT encourages self-reflection

6 / 4

It triggers self-reflection, which is an advantage. (M5); DT is a process to realize what is important in my life, what is personally valuable for me. (W1)

Generating a legacy

3 / -

The form (written words) creates the possibility to pass something on to your relatives that you couldn’t verbalize. (M2)

DT creates space for a dignifying encounter

3 / 4

DT is about caring for the person. (M1); The concept of the dignifying attitude we find in DT is a good thing. (W3)

Dignity Therapist

Challenges for the therapist posed by DT

4 / 6

The therapist must be very sensitive to decide which statement is meant for the document. (M5); You need to know how to handle negative issues when uncovering negative affect. (W0)

Consequences for the therapist after DT

2 / -

The interviewer may take on some of the patient’s distress. (M4)

Conducting DT

Application site / setting

1 / 5

The thousands of people in nursing homes or wards other than palliative care units should also be able to receive DT. (M1); The questions are great. I even used them during a dialogue about anamnesis. (W6)

DT Question Protocol

(Question) phrasing

11 / 8

Some questions sound awkward. (M1); Subjunctive phrases are irritating. (W2)

Open-ended questions are stimulating

6 / 3

The first question is a good opening as it is an open-ended question. (M3); For me, open-ended questions are important … they can be heart-opening. (W1)

Focus on generating legacy

1 / 2

The advantage is to receive a treasure of life experience, e.g., question 11. (M3); [As a participant] I’d wish to know that it doesn’t have to be a permanent record for the next generation. (W6)

Focus on accomplishments

2 / 6

Asking for accomplishments and roles is risky when interviewing a patient who is depressed. (M4); To name something as an accomplishment as an observer from the outside, that is social dignity. (W4)

Application by DT Therapists

6 / 6

I understood that the therapist uses some but not all of the DT questions. (M1); The effect of the questions depends on asking these questions with a warm, calm and empathic tone. (W6)