Nurses' perspectives on the meaning of hope in patients with cancer: a qualitative study

This study focused on developing an understanding of the meaning of hope for patients with cancer by eliciting vivid descriptions of hopeful cancer patients from clinical nurse specialists. The qualitative methodology for this study was based on one form of grounded theory. An inductive approach was applied to the development of generalized knowledge about the concept of hope. A conceptual model of hope was derived from critical attributes of hope identified within descriptions of hopeful cancer patients. Six oncology clinical nurse specialists were interviewed about their clinical experience with patients with cancer who were hopeful. Interviews were documented through process recordings. Attributes of hope were isolated and coalesced into six subthemes: goal setting, positive personal attributes, future redefinition, meaning in life, peace, and energy. Thematic analysis was used to develop a conceptual model of hope. Energy emerged as a strand running through each of the six subthemes and served as a focal point in the description and model of hope. Each of the subthemes described a component of the process whereby energy was exchanged, transformed, or moved, resulting in the preservation or loss of hope. This study generates a new way of viewing the patient with cancer and suggests several approaches for fostering hope.