Dignity Therapy (DT) is a brief psychotherapeutic intervention designed to address the psychosocial and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients. Research demonstrates DT’s efficacy in reducing dignity-related distress and alleviating psychosocial symptoms like depression and anxiety in terminally ill patients. Its application has been extended to non-terminal patients with chronic conditions, mental health challenges, and children nearing the end of life, with promising results. However, the potential for proxy applications, such as posthumous p-DT (p-DT) - conducted by relatives after a patient’s death or on behalf of individuals unable to participate - remains underexplored.

A case series report that examines three relatives who engaged in posthumous p-DT, highlighting its feasibility and potential benefits.

p-DT seems to benefit families and caregivers, promoting emotional resilience and facilitating grieving.

Findings suggest p-DT may serve as a valuable tool for bereavement support, warranting further research to expand its scope and accessibility.

Sleep problems are common in palliative care patients. In addition, psychological problems can affect sleep quality. The aim of this study was to investigate sleep quality, anxiety, and depression in palliative care patients.

The study was conducted between May 1, 2023 and October 31, 2023 in Turkey. The patient information form, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using the Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression test.

A total of 59.3% of patients were male, 76.7% were married, 89.3% had poor sleep quality, 61.3% had anxiety, and 86.7% were at risk of depression. A positive moderate correlation was found between HADS-anxiety, HADS-depression, and HADS total with subjective sleep quality. A positive moderate correlation was found between HADS-anxiety, HADS depression, and HADS total with the PSQI total. Sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction showed a weak positive correlation with HADS-depression and HADS total. In the regression analysis, anxiety proved to be a statistically significant predictor of sleep quality, while depression was not a significant predictor. These variables were found to explain 22% of the total variance in sleep quality.

The patients’ sleep quality was poor. Anxiety and the risk of depression were high. A positive moderate correlation was found between the total score of sleep quality and anxiety and depression. Anxiety was found to be a statistically significant predictor of sleep quality.

This study aimed to explore situations where caregivers and patients are likely to collude, from the perspective of caregivers of advanced cancer patients in Bangladesh.

This study took place in 2 different tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh. The study design included both quantitative and qualitative components. In this study, we focused on situations in which caregivers choose not to disclose the truth, regardless of their patients’ desire to know it. This may include instances of mutual withholding or cases of deliberate withholding by caregivers, even when patients express a desire to know the truth. While collusion may occur in some instances, not all situations qualify as collusion; nonetheless, all of these situations were broadly considered as collusion-prone. The intensity of enactment was assessed using the “Caregiver Collusion Questionnaire,” and in-depth exploration of collusion-prone situations was conducted through key person interviews with the caregivers.

The intensity of enactment was medium to high among two-thirds (83.1%) of caregivers. This intensity was significantly associated with the caregivers’ relationship with the patients and their intention to disclose the truth (p < 0.01). Higher intensity of enactment has been observed among the children who are tending to their terminally ill parents. Four major themes regarding collusion-prone situation were generated by the qualitative analysis: (1) Reasons for nondisclosure; (2) Time of disclosure; (3) Selective disclosure; and (4) Discloser of truth.

The nature of collusion-prone situations is shaped by culture and social values. By gradually and indirectly addressing these situations, healthcare professionals can assist families in navigating through difficult conversations and ensure that the patient’s wishes and values are respected.