Hope-Based Program for Portuguese Outpatients with Advanced Chronic Illness in a Community Setting: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background: Hope is widely considered a subjective phenomenon able to bring beneficial consequences to human health and existence. Maintaining hope amid a life-threatening disease and during palliative care is critical. The study aims to examine the effectiveness of a psychosocial supportive Hope Promotion Program (HPP) in enhancing hope, comfort, and quality of life in Portuguese adult outpatients with advanced and progressive chronic illness. Method: Using a parallel Randomized Control Trial (RCT) with pre-post design, 56 cancer outpatients from two day hospitals. Participants were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 28) or an intervention group (n = 28). The primary outcome measure was hope. Secondary measures included comfort and quality of life. Participants were assessed at baseline, day 15, and day 30 of follow-up. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. In the intervention group, there was a significant increase in the total hope scores after the HPP (day 15). Significant differences were still present after one month (p < 0.05). There was also a significant increase in comfort and quality of life scores in the intervention group one month after HPP (p = 0.018). Conclusions: The HPP may be an effective intervention to increase hope and improve comfort and quality of life among palliative patients. Future studies should increase sample size, diversify settings, and include longer and more detailed follow-ups.

Investigating the determinants of fear of cancer recurrence in patients with early‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer: Insights from a restricted cubic spline model

“…Increasing hope levels can satisfy and empower patients, enhancing their resilience against the disease. 31 However, a saturation point at a hope level of approximately 36 was observed, beyond which no additional reduction in FCR risk occurs. This indicates that in the context of low social support, merely increasing hope is insufficient.…”

“…In patients with lower social support, the study revealed a significant nonlinear relationship between hope levels and FCR. Increasing hope levels can satisfy and empower patients, enhancing their resilience against the disease 31 . However, a saturation point at a hope level of approximately 36 was observed, beyond which no additional reduction in FCR risk occurs.…”

“…It uses a Likert 4point scale, and the total score ranges from 12 to 48, with higher scores indicating higher levels of hope. Hope levels are categorized as low (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23), medium (24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35), and high (36-48). The Herth Index has shown good reliability, validity, and feasibility, with a test-retest reliability of 0.92, internal consistency reliability alpha of 0.87, and structural validity of 0.85.…”

Exploring Audio Recording in Terminally Ill Patients Receiving Hospice Care

“…6 Several models of using narrative in supporting terminally ill patients and their families exist, including dignity therapy, Short-Term Life Review, meaning-making intervention, and the Living with Hope Program. [7][8][9][10][11] Dignity therapy asks patients to reflect on the value of their life and relationships with a trained health care professional. Sessions last between 30 and 60 minutes, and patients' stories are transcribed into a written account for families.…”

“…Services that combine life review work with this legacy component are increasingly recognized by facilitators and patients as valuable work 6 . Several models of using narrative in supporting terminally ill patients and their families exist, including dignity therapy, Short-Term Life Review, meaning-making intervention, and the Living with Hope Program 7-11 . Dignity therapy asks patients to reflect on the value of their life and relationships with a trained health care professional.…”