An assisted structured reflection on life events and life goals in advanced cancer patients: Outcomes of a randomized controlled trial (Life InSight Application (LISA) study)

Abstract

Background: Diagnosis and treatment of incurable cancer as a life-changing experience evokes difficult existential questions. Aim: A structured reflection could improve patients’ quality of life and spiritual well-being. We developed an interview model on life events and ultimate life goals and performed a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect thereof on quality of life and spiritual well-being. Design: The intervention group had two consultations with a spiritual counselor. The control group received care as usual. EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL and the FACIT-sp were administered at baseline and 2 and 4 months after baseline. Linear mixed model analysis was performed to test between-group differences over time. Participants: Adult patients with incurable cancer and a life expectancy ⩾6 months were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the intervention or control group. Results: A total of 153 patients from six different hospitals were included: 77 in the intervention group and 76 in the control group. Quality of life and spiritual well-being did not significantly change over time between groups. The experience of Meaning/Peace was found to significantly influence quality of life ( β = 0.52, adj. R2 = 0.26) and satisfaction with life ( β = 0.61, adj. R2 = 0.37). Conclusion: Although our newly developed interview model was well perceived by patients, we were not able to demonstrate a significant difference in quality of life and spiritual well-being between groups. Future interventions by spiritual counselors aimed at improving quality of life, and spiritual well-being should focus on the provision of sources of meaning and peace.

Goal Setting and Health-Related Outcomes in Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature From 2000 to 2020

“…Some studies did not confirm the impact of goal setting on quality of life (Ford et al, 2019; Kilbourne et al, 2012; Kruizinga et al, 2019; W. J. Taylor et al, 2012).…”

“…J. Taylor et al, 2012). For example, a study involving cancer patients did not confirm the positive effect of life goal setting, spiritual well-being, and quality of life (Kruizinga et al, 2019). Specifically, patients who set life goals such as having a good family relationship, health improvement, purposeful life, travel, or hobbies did not have higher spiritual well-being, physical, and mental quality of life compared with those who did not set goals (Kruizinga et al, 2019).…”

“…For example, the quality of life of patients with diabetes (Guglani et al, 2014), allergic rhinitis (Smith et al, 2011), bipolar disorders (So et al, 2021), and chronic low back pain (Gardner et al, 2019) improved significantly more in patients who set goals compared with those who did not set goals. Some studies did not confirm the impact of goal setting on quality of life (Ford et al, 2019;Kilbourne et al, 2012;Kruizinga et al, 2019;W. J. Taylor et al, 2012).…”

Healthcare Chaplaincy for Geriatric Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study into the Outcomes of Catholic Chaplaincy Interventions in Belgium

“…The most rigorous method to do this is by using a randomized control trial (RCT). However, in healthcare chaplaincy studies, RCTs are scarce (Bay et al, 2008 ; Iler et al, 2001 ; Kruizinga et al, 2019 ).…”

Validation of the FACIT‐Sp‐12 in a Dutch cohort of patients with advanced cancer

“…A translation of the FACIT‐Sp‐12 into Dutch was certified in 2011 by http://facit.org/ and since then the scale has been used in multiple Dutch studies among patients with cancer 4–6 . However, no study has yet looked at its measurement properties.…”