Discussing life story, forgiveness, heritage, and legacy with patients with life-limiting illnesses.

AIM: To explore the perceptions that individuals with life-limiting illnesses have about their lives, both positive and negative, and their messages to future generations. METHODS: A preparation and life completion intervention (Outlook) was assessed for acceptability and feasibility in an Australian palliative care setting. This paper reports a qualitative analysis of the participants' responses to the intervention. The intervention sessions were audiotaped, transcribed, and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: Eleven participants were recruited from inpatient and outpatient hospital and hospice settings. Three overarching themes were identified: life review, current situation, and legacy/principles. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention provided insights into individual palliative care patients' sense of self, views of their current situation, hopes, and how they would like to be remembered.

Duke Scholars

Author Karen E. Steinhauser Population Health Sciences