Compassion-Facilitating Interventions Among Patients With Life-Limiting Chronic Illnesses: A Scoping Review

Objectives: Life-limiting chronic illnesses, including dementia and organ failure, are increasingly prevalent, resulting in progressive health decline and prolonged suffering. Compassion-facilitating interventions may cultivate self-compassion, promote better emotional coping, and enhance self-care. However, there is limited evidence regarding the effectiveness of these interventions on improving self-compassion for patients with life-limiting chronic illnesses. This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of compassion-facilitating interventions for this population to identify limitations in research and practice. Methods: Nine electronic databases were searched from inception to 12 October 2022. Data were synthesised according to the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. Results: A total of 33 studies were included. The most common study type was feasibility studies (n = 14), and most of the included studies focused on advanced geriatric conditions and neurological disorders (n = 24). Most of the interventions were adapted from mindfulness-based protocols, with compassion meditation, compassionate movement, and decentering techniques being common components. The interventions demonstrated positive effects on self-compassion and appeared to be more effective in reducing psychological distress than in improving physical function. Conclusions: In compassion-facilitating interventions conducted among patients with life-limiting chronic illnesses, there is a need for additional research and practice to identify the most effective therapeutic approach and the process outcomes. Future studies should assess potential mechanisms driving these effects including increasing awareness and acceptance of suffering, opening up to self-care, and increasing social connectedness. Preregistration: Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/62byx/), 5 October 2022.