Therapeutic writing in Palliative Care: a systematic review – A death free of tubes with narrative communication skills

Abstract

ABSTRACT This review aims to improve the full scope of “therapeutic encounters” in palliative care, promoting the well-being and quality of life of patients through narrative therapy and therapeutic writing as a communication tool. Palliative care seeks to alleviate the suffering of terminally ill patients and their families. Narrative interventions help patients and families to construct the experience of disease through the re-signification of symptoms. The PRISMA guided this systematic review. A total of 349 articles were analyzed, and 42 showed insightful results. The results demonstrate the relevance of narrative therapy and the use of therapeutic writing as a way to promote the well-being and quality of life of patients in palliative care, health professionals, and the general population. The focus on reflection, the meaning of the experience, and emotional expression translated into the reduction of anxiety and depression. It highlights the need to reflect and develop psychological research on palliative intervention and the identification of the expressive and communicational value of narrative therapy poetry therapy (poetry), journaling and music in palliative care.