Poster Presentation
Friday, 21 July 2006
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Friday, 21 July 2006
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Life Review at End of Life: Measures of Outcomes, A Pilot Study
Frieda R. Butler, PhD, RN, MPH and Amani Babgi, BSN. College of Nursing and Health Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| Learning Objective #1: Describe the effects of a life review
intervention in facilitating a peaceful death in terminally ill elderly hospice patients. |
| Learning Objective #2: Determine the outcomes of a life review intervention on acceptance of death by terminally ill hospice patients. |
The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a life review intervention with terminally ill elderly persons to facilitate a peaceful end of life. Peaceful end of life was defined as having: 1. recognition of one’s having had a purpose in life, 2. an intuitive understanding of self, 3. possessing a sense of self determination, 4. reconciliation of issues of forgiveness 4. acceptance of one’s own death. A mixed methods approach consisted of 1. conducting a life review of hospice patients in their homes using The Life Review and Experiencing Guide (Haight, 1992); 2. administering a modified 5-point LAP-R Likert Scale, (Reker, 1994); and 3. conducting a post life review interview using a guide developed by the PI to determine the outcomes of the life review. Results showed that all of the participants perceived the life review as an enjoyable experience and half of these indicated feelings of peacefulness and completeness as a result of the life review. All but one subject stated that this procedure was helpful. Participants scored higher on the LAP-R dimensions of: 1. meaning and purpose in life, on choice/responsibleness and on 3. death acceptance. Mean scores on these dimensions ranged from 3.67 – 5.00. They scored lowest on items indicating achievement of life’s goals and fulfillment, withdrawal from life, and perceiving life as boring and uneventful. Mean scores on these items ranged from 1.50-3.83. Conclusions: The intervention of a life review provided the majority of participants with feelings of peacefulness and relief. By going through this process, they were making connections and putting pieces of their lives together in a meaningful way. There were mixed reports regarding whether the life review facilitated resolution of conflicts and issues. A larger controlled study should be conducted, with extended time for patient reflection.
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