Showing papers by "Linda J. Kristjanson published in 2013"
01 Oct 2013
TL;DR: This study investigated whether dignity therapy could mitigate distress or bolster the experience in patients nearing the end of their lives, and found that reductions in various dimensions of distress were measured.
Abstract: BackgroundDignity therapy is a unique, individualised, short-term psychotherapy that was developed for patients (and their families) living with life-threatening or life-limiting illness. We investigated whether dignity therapy could mitigate distress or bolster the experience in patients nearing the end of their lives.MethodsPatients (aged ≥18 years) with a terminal prognosis (life expectancy ≤6 months) who were receiving palliative care in a hospital or community setting (hospice or home) in Canada, USA, and Australia were randomly assigned to dignity therapy, client-centred care, or standard palliative care in a 1:1:1 ratio. Randomisation was by use of a computer-generated table of random numbers in blocks of 30. Allocation concealment was by use of opaque sealed envelopes. The primary outcomes—reductions in various dimensions of distress before and after completion of the study—were measured with the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Spiritual Well-Being Scale, Patient Dignity Inventory...
64 citations
TL;DR: It is important for nurses to acknowledge and recognize the normal distress experienced by men as a result of a PCa diagnosis and learn to identify the ways in which men avoid expressing their distress and develop early supportive relationships that encourage them to express and manage it.
Abstract: Background: Men experience localized prostate cancer (PCa) as aversive and distressing. Little research has studied the distress men experience as a normal response to PCa, or how they manage this distress during the early stages of the illness. Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the experience of men diagnosed with localized PCa during their first postdiagnostic year. Methods: This constructivist qualitative study interviewed 8 men between the ages of 44 and 77 years, in their homes, on 2 occasions during the first 3 postdiagnostic months. Individual, in-depth semistructured interviews were used to collect the data. Results: After an initial feeling of shock, the men in this study worked diligently to camouflage their experience of distress through hiding and attenuating their feelings and minimizing the severity of PCa. Conclusions: Men silenced distress because they believed it was expected of them. Maintaining silence allowed men to protect their strong and stoic self-image. This stereotype, of the strong and stoic man, prevented men from expressing their feelings of distress and from seeking support from family and friends and health professionals. Implications for Practice: It is important for nurses to acknowledge and recognize the normal distress experienced by men as a result of a PCa diagnosis. Hence, nurses must learn to identify the ways in which men avoid expressing their distress and develop early supportive relationships that encourage them to express and subsequently manage it.
24 citations
TL;DR: This study is the first in-depth account of what HSPs perceive they need to effectively look after home alone dying clients, and provided directions to inform service planning for this growing and challenging population group.
7 citations