Revie ⊕: Impact of a resource-based life review intervention on patients with advanced cancer: A waitlist controlled trial

• Published in: European journal of oncology nursing : the official journal of European Oncology Nursing Society 2024-02, Vol.68, p.102506-102506, Article 102506
• Main Authors: Da Rocha Rodrigues, Gora, Warne, David W., Scuderi, Luca, Lilla, Déborah, Stanic, Jelena, Pautex, Sophie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Advanced cancer; COVID-19; Humans; Life-review intervention; Neoplasms - psychology; Nurse-led intervention; Pandemics; Self-esteem; Strengths-focused approach
• ISSN: 1462-3889; 1532-2122
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2024.102506

Life review interventions aim to support individuals facing an incurable disease accompanied by existential concerns and health-related challenges. Based on encouraging feasibility results, this study assessed the effects of Revie ⊕ life review intervention on the self-esteem of patients with advanced cancer, and the effects on well-being, post-traumatic growth, life satisfaction, symptom burden and interaction with nurses. The study consisted of a two-arm parallel-group, waitlist-controlled trial (WCT) in the oncology division of a Swiss-French University Hospital. Revie ⊕ was composed of nurse-led meeting with the patient to address and document significant life events using a strengths-focused approach and targeting the life project. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, adjustments were made regarding study duration and participant's allocation: Fifty-eight patients received Revie ⊕, 39 completed all the measurements. Self-esteem was high at baseline and maintained stability over time. The social well-being decreased in the intervention group before-after Revie ⊕ (−1.7 (3.9), p = 0.044) while emotional and functional well-being showed stability. The intensity of symptoms decreased in the intervention group before-after Revie ⊕: 4.9 (9.4), p = 0.020. This study suggests that patients living with an advanced cancer and who received Revie ⊕ intervention may have maintained their self-esteem high over time. Observed results are promising, particularly considering the influence of the pandemic. Nevertheless, these findings do not allow us to draw definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of the intervention on self-esteem. WCT seems not to be the appropriate design to highlight the added value of Revie ⊕ for this particularly vulnerable population. NCT04254926. •Patients with advanced cancer face physical complaints, psychological, and existential distress.•Life review interventions are promising to reduce psychological distress of patients with an incurable disease.•Revie ⊕ may be an effective life review intervention to maintain self-esteem over time among patients with advanced cancer.