Journal of advanced nursing
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Review Meta Analysis
Psycho-spiritual well-being in patients with advanced cancer: an integrative review of the literature.
An integrative literature review was undertaken to examine the research on psycho-spiritual well-being in terminally ill people, specifically patients with advanced cancer. ⋯ Patients with an enhanced sense of psycho-spiritual well-being are able to cope more effectively with the process of terminal illness and find meaning in the experience. Prognostic awareness, family and social support, autonomy, hope and meaning in life all contribute to positive psycho-spiritual well-being. Emotional distress, anxiety, helplessness, hopelessness and fear of death all detract from psycho-spiritual well-being. The research indicated that health professionals can play an important role in enhancing psycho-spiritual well-being, but further research is needed to understand specific interventions that are effective and contribute to positive patient outcomes.