Virtual Dignity Therapy for Palliative Care Patients With Advanced Cancer

This study is an investigator-initiated, single site Mayo Clinic Rochester prospective minimal risk pilot study to determine feasibility and acceptability of Virtual Dignity Therapy. The Dignity Therapy intervention is a brief, individualized psychotherapy that aims to relieve psycho-emotional and existential distress and improve the experiences of patients whose lives are impacted by serious illness. This therapy offers patients an opportunity to reflect on their life with a trained facilitator and share their thoughts and memories with family and other people in their life. This therapy consists of a total of 3 sessions, with each session 2-4 weeks apart, in which the investigator provides questions focused on life review. The sessions are recorded and transcribed. The interventionist will work with patients to edit the document and provide a final generativity document for patient to keep and give to loved ones.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥18 years
• English fluency
• No diagnosed dementia
• Diagnosis of advanced cancer
• Expected prognosis > 6 months
• Provide informed consent
• Ability to complete questionnaire(s) by themselves or with assistance

Exclusion criteria

• Other psychological co-morbidities such as untreated schizophrenia, bipolar disease
• Recent suicide attempt or psychiatric illness severe enough that hospitalization has been necessary in last 6 months
• Active delirium
• Participation in concurrent legacy offerings through the palliative care clinic

Inclusion criteria

for caregivers:

• Age ≥18 years
• English fluency
• Provide informed consent
• Supported patient through Dignity Therapy