Miller, D.K., Chibnall, J.T., Videen, S.D., & Duckro, P.N. (2005). Supportive-affective group experience for persons with life-threatening illness: Reducing spiritual, psychological, and death-related distress in dying patients. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 8, 333–343.
The intervention was a 75-minute supportive-affective group that met monthly offering Life-Threatening Illness Supportive-Affective Group Experience (LTI-SAGE). These groups were for education and support, not group therapy. Topics included
Groups consisted of three to eight patients, with one or two group facilitators.
Two measurements were taken: baseline and 12 months
In the intervention group (n = 37), group assignment was based on diagnosis and race.
In the control group (n = 32), patients received quarterly mailings of existing, readily available self-help resource materials, with a phone call to ensure that mailings were received.
The study reported on a sample of 69 African American and Caucasian patients with any serious medical condition severe enough to create a limited life expectancy (not cause death within six months).
The study was a randomized pre/post-test trial with a longitudinal design.