• Stine Gundtoft Roikjær, Malene Missel, Heidi Maria Bergenholtz, Mai Nanna Schønau, and Helle Ussing Timm.
• Clinical Studies, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
• Palliat Med. 2019 Dec 1; 33 (10): 1255-1271.

BackgroundPeople living with life-threatening illness experience unmet existential needs despite the growing research and clinical field of palliative care. Narrative interventions show promise in managing these problems, but more knowledge is needed on the characteristics of narrative interventions and the feasibility of using personal narratives in a hospital.AimTo review the literature on personal narratives in hospital-based palliative care interventions and to strengthen palliative care practices.DesignWe conducted a systematic integrative review with qualitative analysis and narrative synthesis in accordance with PRISMA where applicable (PROSPERO#:CRD42018089202).Data SourcesWe conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cinahl, SocINDEX and PsychInfo for primary research articles published until June 2018. We assessed full-text articles against the eligibility criteria followed by a discussion of quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme.ResultsOf 480 articles, we found 24 eligible for this review: 8 qualitative, 14 quantitative and 2 mixed methods. The articles reported on dignity therapy, legacy building, outlook, short-term life review and life review. Data analysis resulted in five themes: core principles, theoretical framework, content of narrative, outcome and, finally, acceptability and feasibility.ConclusionVarious types of systematic palliative care interventions use personal narratives. Common to these is a shared psychotherapeutic theoretical understanding and aim. Clinical application in a hospital setting is both feasible and acceptable but requires flexibility regarding the practices of the setting and the needs of the patient.

15 keywords...

hide…