Abstract
Aim: To review the literature and investigate the meaning of hope to patients receiving palliative care and to examine the themes that foster hope in those patients. Background: Hope is often linked to the future and is a significant factor for patients dealing with adversity, such as a terminal illness. The concept of hope is underreported in the literature. Design: Mixed method thematic review. Data sources: CINAHL, Scopus, PsychINFO, Informit, PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, Web of Science and Google Scholar online databases were searched using keywords and inclusion and exclusion criteria published between 2003-2013. Review methods: Twelve qualitative articles were thematically analysed using Braun and Clarke's steps to ascertain major themes and sub-themes. On analysis, the remaining three mixed method studies were found to reflect the themes generated by the qualitative studies. Results: Seven key themes that increased hope were found: disease status; positive personal relationships; positive character traits; quality of life; setting and achieving goals; spirituality/religion; and hope after death. Conclusion: The importance of hope to dying patients was established. Hope is a very complex and personal phenomena requiring hope-enhancing strategies to be individualized. More research is needed with groups whose culture, youth or type of illness may affect their ability to foster and maintain hope.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 18-32 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Journal of Advanced Nursing |
Volume | 72 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2016 |
Keywords
- Adult
- Dying patient
- Hope
- Hospice
- Nursing
- Palliative care
- Spirituality
- Thematic literature review