Effects of Dignity Therapy on Dignity, Anxiety, Depression and Quality of Life for People With Burns: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Aims To evaluate the effect of dignity therapy on dignity, anxiety, depression and overall quality of life for people with burns. Design A single‐blind, double‐arm, parallel randomised controlled study. Methods The Patient Dignity Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Burn‐Specific Health Scale‐Short were employed to assess the dignity, anxiety, depression and overall quality of life for people with burns. These outcome indicators were measured and analysed at baseline, 2‐, 4‐ and 8‐week follow‐up. The generalised estimating equations were used to analyse the effect of the intervention during each time point. Results A total of 99 participants were recruited (50 in the intervention group and 49 in the control group), with a high retention rate of 97 participants (94.95%) completing the 8‐week follow‐up. All outcome measurement tools met the feasibility criteria related to completeness and responsiveness over time. Dignity was the primary outcome measure, with anxiety, depression and quality of life serving as secondary outcome measures. At the 8‐week post‐intervention, participants in the intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in dignity and anxiety and depression, and a statistically significant increase in burn‐specific health. Conclusions Dignity therapy can effectively reduce the loss of dignity, anxiety and depression, and improve the quality of life for people with burns. This study has a positive impact on burn dignity nursing practice and provides healthcare professionals with a novel approach to help people with burns return to normal social life with dignity. Implications for the Profession It is important to develop patient‐centred care for burns with dignity. Focusing on developing a rational understanding of non‐discriminatory dignity care practices among clinical providers and to develop dignity‐oriented clinical care practices on the wards. Impact This study validated the feasibility of implementing dignity therapy for people with burns. Dignity therapy is effective in reducing the degree of dignity impairment, reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms, and enhancing the quality of life for people with burns. Our findings can help healthcare professionals to provide personalised dignity care throughout the patient's journey to facilitate a dignified reintegration into society and life for people with burns. Reporting Method This randomised controlled trial used the CONSORT guidelines. Patient or Public Contribution No patients or members of the public participated in the study design, data analysis or interpretation. Clinical Trials This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry registration number: ChiCTR2200065145, 29 October 2022.