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Supportive Care in Cancer
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer 9/2019

01-09-2019 | Care | Original Article

Patients’ experiences of life review therapy combined with memory specificity training (LRT-MST) targeting cancer patients in palliative care

Authors: Gitta Kleijn, Cornelia F. van Uden-Kraan, Ernst T. Bohlmeijer, Annemarie Becker-Commissaris, Mathilde Pronk, Vincent Willemsen, Pim Cuijpers, Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 9/2019

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Abstract

Purpose

Life review therapy combined with memory specificity training (LRT-MST) is effective in cancer patients in palliative care, but the effect size is moderate. The aim of this qualitative study was to obtain more in-depth knowledge on motivation to start with LRT-MST, experiences with LRT-MST, and perceived outcomes of LRT-MST.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 cancer patients in palliative care who participated in a randomized controlled trial investigating the effect of LRT-MST. All interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed by means of thematic analysis independently by two coders and coded into key issues and themes.

Results

Patients started LRT-MST for intrinsic (e.g., potential benefit for personal well-being) and extrinsic reasons (e.g., potential benefit for future patients). Patients indicated mainly positive experiences with the intervention. They appreciated sharing their memories and regaining memories with a specific focus on retrieving positive memories. Some disliked the fact that negative memories could not be addressed. Most patients perceived positive outcomes of the intervention belonging to the overarching themes “ego-integrity” and “psychological well-being” in the here and now, as well as in the nearby future (including end-of-life).

Conclusions

LRT-MST is of added value as a psychological intervention in palliative care. This study provided in-depth insight into reasons to start the intervention, and the experiences and outcomes, which are important to further tailor LRT-MST and for development or improvement of other psychological interventions targeting cancer patients in palliative care.
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Metadata
Title
Patients’ experiences of life review therapy combined with memory specificity training (LRT-MST) targeting cancer patients in palliative care
Authors
Gitta Kleijn
Cornelia F. van Uden-Kraan
Ernst T. Bohlmeijer
Annemarie Becker-Commissaris
Mathilde Pronk
Vincent Willemsen
Pim Cuijpers
Irma M. Verdonck-de Leeuw
Publication date
01-09-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword
Care
Published in
Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 9/2019
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4613-3

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