Codman Award 2006: the experience of hope in ALS patients

In this study, the concept of hope in patients diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis was explored. The researchers asked, "What does hope mean to you?" The final sample consisted of 13 patients at varying stages of illness and at differing times since diagnosis. Semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were used to elicit views on hope, its sources and evolution. The findings were similar to a study done by Herth (1990) in which two themes emerged: hope fostering strategies and hope hindering barriers. The study process allowed the researchers to capture the participants' sources of hope. An unexpected finding was that participants described taking part in the interviews as "therapeutic." The findings support the notion that clinicians need to engage patients in discussions of hope, particularly the question of hope and its meaning, in order to adequately address their most important concerns and understand their point of view. Implications and suggestions for nursing practice include taking the time to explore hope-fostering approaches and discuss hope-hindering obstacles and our role in creating a hopeful environment.