Completed Research Project
Study to pilot a clinical trial to test dignity psychotherapy for the frail aged
Investigators: Kristjanson,
L. J., Toye,
C., Chochinov, H., Almeida, O., Oldham,
L., & Hassard, T.
Funding: NHMRC Palliative Care Grant ($25,000).
Abstract: Dignity Psychotherapy is a novel, brief, individual, psychotherapeutic intervention with the potential to offer a useful, non-pharmacological approach for frail elders that may alleviate distress and suffering, enhance the sense of dignity for these individuals, enhance the quality of care giving relationships for frail elders as they are assisted to communicate about issues of importance to them and to be more fully known by family and formal carers. The aims of the preliminary study were to trial and refine a randomised clinical trial to test the efficacy of Dignity Psychotherapy and to test and refine the intervention protocols.
