Humour helps healing: Application of therapeutic humour in palliative care

Madrika Mirza Kanjiani, Laila Akber Cassum

Abstract


This narrative review aims to identify the available scientific literature related to the application of therapeutic humour in palliative care. The databases Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct, were searched using relevant keywords, such as “therapeutic humor in palliative care”, “therapeutic humor AND palliative care”, and “therapeutic humor AND end-of-life care”. In total, 14 articles published between 2014 and 2024 were selected.

The findings highlight various perspectives on the application of therapeutic humour in palliative care, emphasizing its role in enhancing coping skills, reducing pain and anxiety, improving mood, and strengthening nurse-patient and nurse-family relationships. Additionally, the acceptability of therapeutic humour among palliative care patients, the impact of humour therapy on healthcare providers, and the appropriate timing and integration of humour into patient care are also explored.

Therapeutic humour can be an effective complementary therapy in palliative care, providing maximum comfort to patients and reducing family anxiety by reducing pain perception and alleviating stress. Therapeutic humour has been found to be beneficial for palliative care patients, but adequate training of healthcare providers is required to incorporate it effectively.

Keywords: palliative care, therapeutic humour, humour therapy, healing, emotional wellbeing 

DOI: 10.5737/2368807636193


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References


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