Journal article
Feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of dignity therapy for people with motor neurone disease
PloS one, Vol.9(5), e96888
2014
Abstract
Background
Motor neurone disease (MND) practice guidelines suggest developing interventions that will promote hope, meaning, and dignity to alleviate psychological distress, but very little research has been done. This study begins to address this need by exploring the use of dignity therapy with people with MND. Dignity therapy is a brief psychotherapy that promotes hope, meaning and dignity, and enhances the end of life for people with advanced cancer. The aims of this study are to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of dignity therapy for people with MND.
Methods/design
This cross-sectional feasibility study used a one-group pre-test post-test design with 29 people diagnosed with MND. Study participants completed the following self-report questionnaires: Herth Hope Index, FACIT-sp, Patient Dignity Inventory, ALS Assessment Questionnaire, ALS Cognitive Behavioural Screen, and a demographic and health history questionnaire. Acceptability was measured with a 25-item feedback questionnaire. Feasibility was assessed by examining the length of time taken to complete dignity therapy and how symptoms common in MND affected the intervention. Generalised linear mixed models and reliable change scores were used to analyse the data.
Results
There were no significant pre-test post-test changes for hopefulness, spirituality or dignity on the group level, but there were changes in hopefulness on the individual level. The results of the feedback questionnaire indicates dignity therapy is highly acceptable to people with MND, who report benefits similar to those in the international randomised controlled trial on dignity therapy, a population who primarily had end-stage cancer. Benefits include better family relationships, improved sense of self and greater acceptance. Dignity therapy with people with MND is feasible if the therapist can overcome time and communication difficulties.
Conclusions
Dignity therapy for people with MND is feasible and acceptable. Further research is warranted to explore its ability to diminish distress.
Details
- Title
- Feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of dignity therapy for people with motor neurone disease
- Authors/Creators
- B. Bentley (Author/Creator) - Curtin UniversityM. O'Connor (Author/Creator) - Curtin UniversityR. Kane (Author/Creator) - Curtin UniversityL.J. Breen (Author/Creator) - Curtin University
- Publication Details
- PloS one, Vol.9(5), e96888
- Publisher
- Public Library of Science
- Identifiers
- 991005541698407891
- Copyright
- © 2014 Bentley et al.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.112 Palliative Care
- 1.112.237 End-of-Life Care
- Web Of Science research areas
- Clinical Neurology
- ESI research areas
- Clinical Medicine