Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/192629

Title

Dignity and psychotherapeutic considerations in end-of-life care

Author(s)

Chochinov, Harvey Max;  Hack, Thomas;  Hassard, Thomas;  Kristjanson, Linda J.;  McClement, Susan;  Harlos, Mike

Abstract

The basic tenets of palliative care are frequently subsumed under the goal of helping patients to die with dignity. Our research group has studied the issue of dignity, with dying patients serving as the primary informants. This paper reviews some of our findings, including an overview of the Dignity Model that derives from our empirical work. Furthermore, this paper summarizes various psychotherapeutic approaches which have been considered for this vulnerable patient population. Finally, we provide the rationale based on the Dignity Model for a psychotherapeutic intervention we have coined Dignity Therapy. This brief, individualized therapeutic approach has been informed by our dignity work, and specifically designed for application in patients nearing death.

Publication type

Journal article

Source

Journal of Palliative Care, Vol. 20, no. 3 (2004), pp. 134-142

Publication year

2004

FOR Code(s)

1110 Nursing

Keyword(s)

Attitude to death;  Attitude to health;  Behaviour therapy;  Death and euthanasia;  Helping behaviour;  Human relation;  Lifespan;  Medical philosophy;  Mental health therapies;  Patient care;  Psychotherapy;  Quality of life;  Right to die;  Terminal illness;  Terminally ill

Publisher

Centre for Bioethics, Clinical Research Institute of Montreal

ISSN

0825-8597

Publisher URL

http://www.criugm.qc.ca/journalofpalliativecare

Copyright

Copyright © 2004 Centre for Bioethics, IRCM.

Peer reviewed