End-of-life experiences tend to have a positive impact on the dying process

1. In this scoping and systematic review, it was found that end-of-life experiences (ELEs) positively impacted the dying process.

2. In addition, the most common ELEs were visions and dreams of deceased relatives or friends.

Evidence Rating Level: 1 (Excellent)

End-of-life experiences (ELEs) are thought to impact the quality of the dying experience. ELEs consist of spiritual or transcendent experiences in patients, relatives, and healthcare professionals around the dying process. Unlike near-death experiences, which have been studied more extensively, ELEs remain poorly understood. As a result, the present scoping review and mixed-methods systematic review aimed to synthesize the current understanding of ELEs and describe their impact on the dying process.

Of 2,440 identified records, 115 studies were included from various databases from inception to 2021. Studies were included if they investigated ELEs that had a religious, sacred, or transcendent nature experienced either by the dying patient, their relatives, or associated healthcare providers. Studies were excluded if they did not answer the research question or were found in book reviews or letters to the editor. The review was performed using PRISMA Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. The study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) standardized critical appraisal tool. The data was analyzed using a meta-aggregation approach and using narrative form. The primary outcome was the impact of ELEs on the experience of dying.

The results demonstrated that overall, ELEs were seen as generally positive experiences that had a positive impact on the dying process. In addition, the most common ELEs identified were visions and dreams of deceased friends or relatives. Despite these results, the study was limited by the lack of a clear definition for ELEs, which may have limited comparisons between studies. Nonetheless, the present study added evidence suggesting that ELEs may be important in the dying experience, both for patients and those involved in their care.

Click to read the study in BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care

Image: PD

©2023 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. All rights reserved. No works may be reproduced without expressed written consent from 2 Minute Medicine, Inc. Inquire about licensing here. No article should be construed as medical advice and is not intended as such by the authors or by 2 Minute Medicine, Inc.