Fostering hope in terminally‐ill people

Abstract

This study explored the meaning of hope and identified strategies that are used to foster hope in a convenience sample of 30 terminally-ill adults using the technique of methodological triangulation (interview, Herth Hope Index and Background Data Form). Cross-sectional data were collected on 20 of the subjects, and longitudinal data were collected on 10 of the subjects in order to provide a clearer understanding of the hoping process during the dying trajectory. Hope was defined as an inner power directed toward enrichment of 'being'. With the exception of those diagnosed with AIDS, overall hope levels among subjects were high and were found to remain stable over time and across the background variables. Seven hope-fostering categories and three hope-hindering categories were identified based on the interview responses. The findings could serve as a guide for the development of interventions to foster hope in terminally-ill people.

Untitled

“…Tam naudojamos atitinkamos strategijos: kontakto užmezgimas bei palaikymas, slaugytojo požiūris į slaugos darbą ir pan. (Herth, 1990;. Didesnę viltį išgyvenantys slaugytojai, dirbantys su sunkiai sergančiais pacientais, jaučiasi geriau (Feudtner ir kt., 2007).…”

An exploration of hope as a concept for nursing

“…From interviews with terminally ill patients, Herth (1990) identified the hope fostering importance of humour, good memories, positive affirmation and belief in God. A belief in God helped to provide a sense of meaning for their suffering.…”

“…It is increasing suggested that nurses are an important source of hope for people who are vulnerable and ill (Herth 1990, Stephenson 1991, Herth 1996, Cutcliffe & Grant 2001, Moore 2005; due to their constant interaction with patients who are suffering.…”

“…The families and friends of people with HIV/AIDS suggested that hope was concerned with finding a constructive process in the present as well as the future (Kylma, VehvilainenJulkumen & Lahdevirta 2003). The terminally ill patients in Herth (1990) saw hope as 'inner power directed toward a new awareness and enrichment of 'being' rather than rational expectations' (p.1257). Disengaging hope from expectation is not possible within the definitions presented but there is some suggestion that expectation is considered to be a cognitive, rational process.…”

“…Herth (1990) interviewed thirty patients who were terminally ill and found that hope was having a sense of meaning or purpose in life. Attainable aims were identified in relation to hopes for themselves and their family but these were more about the experience of life and death than finding pathways to goals.…”