Expanding the Understanding of Content of End-of-Life Dreams and Visions: A Consensual Qualitative Research Analysis
Rachel M. Depner, Pei C. Grant, D. Byrwa, Sarah M. LaFever, Christopher W Kerr, Kelly E. Tenzek, S. LaValley, Debra L. Luczkiewicz, Scott T. Wright, Kathryn Levy, Msw AdvStat
Palliative Medicine Reports June 1, 2020 DOI: 10.1089/pmr.2020.0037 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Hospice homecare patients enrolled in a county-wide hospice homecare program between January 2013 and March 2015 |
| Topics | Dreaming |
| Key findings | Analysis of 548 end-of-life dreams and visions reported by hospice homecare patients produced four domains: Interpersonal, Affective Experience and Reflection, Activities, and Setting/Location. The authors suggest ELDV content may reflect a broader spectrum of waking life than previously believed, and argue that providers should engage with these experiences as psychologically significant and potentially clinically informative. |
Abstract
Background: Research has established End-of-Life Dreams and Visions (ELDVs) as prevalent, meaningful valid experiences that may help patients cope with illness and approaching death. However, no inductive qualitative analysis has explored the phenomenology of ELDVs from the perspective of hospice homecare patients.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the content of ELDVs by using a rigorous qualitative approach.
Design: Five hundred forty-eight ELDVs were collected from weekly interviews of hospice homecare patients and analyzed by using Consensual Qualitative Research Methodology. Settings/Subject: Participants were enrolled in a county-wide hospice homecare program between January 2013–March 2015.
Results: The following domains emerged: (1) Interpersonal, (2) Affective Experience and Reflection, (3) Activities, and (4) Setting/Location.
Conclusions: This study suggests that ELDV content may include a broader spectrum of experiences that reflect waking life than previously believed. Clinical implications suggest that it may be important for providers to engage with ELDVs, as they are psychologically significant experiences that may be a source of clinical insight.
Citations in the library
Cited by 4
- End-of-life experiences in patients: a scoping review of types, characteristics, and implications for the mind-brain relationship. International Review of Psychiatry 2025
- Understanding Clinicians' Perspectives on End-of-Life Dreams and Visions: An International Survey. Journal of Palliative Medicine June 24, 2026
- End-of-life dreams and visions in a patient with delirium: A Brazilian case report and narrative review. Palliative & Supportive Care December 26, 2025
- Shared Death Experiences: A Multicultural Survey. The American journal of hospice & palliative care January 2023