Effect of a life review program on the quality of life among patients with advanced cancer at home

Objective To evaluate the effect of a life review program on the quality of life among patients with advanced cancer at home.Method Eighty patients with advanced cancer at home were randomly divided into two groups.The 40 patients in the experimental group received a life review program,while the 40 patients in the control group received routine home care.The patients' were investigated with the scale of Quality of Life(QOL) for cancer patients before and after intervention.Their perceptions of the life review program were collected through individual semi-structured interviews after intervention.Results The patients in the experimental group demonstrated a significant improvement in overall QOL,support and value of life,and a significant reduction in negative emotions,sense of alienation,and existential distress.The four categories identified in the qualitative analysis were:accepting one's unique life,feelings of emotional relief,bolstering a sense of meaning in life,and leaving a personal legacy.Conclusion The life review program is an effective intervention to improve the psycho-spiritual well of patients with advanced cancer.