What does life review involve for patients?

Life review for patients is a therapeutic process where individuals reflect on their life experiences, exploring significant memories, events, and moments that have shaped their identities. This process often serves to help individuals find meaning in their lives, particularly when they are facing terminal illnesses or end-of-life issues. Through life review, patients may gain insight into their joys, struggles, relationships, and achievements, leading to a greater sense of peace or closure.

Engaging in life review can also provide emotional and psychological support, helping individuals confront unresolved issues or feelings, and can strengthen their connections with family and caregivers by sharing meaningful stories. This reinforces the holistic approach to patient care in hospice and palliative settings, where emotional well-being is just as important as physical health.

In contrast, planning future goals and aspirations, documenting medical history, or prioritizing medication adherence strategies do not encapsulate the essence of life review, which is centered around personal reflection and meaning-making rather than future planning or practical healthcare management.