Hope during somber times: a defining moment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Health Communication
• Psychology

Background:

• The National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers extensive educational materials and an online oncology dictionary.
• The NCI dictionary is valued for its frequent updates and accessible language for both laypersons and professionals.
• The term 'hope' is notably absent from the NCI's current online oncology dictionary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the omission of 'hope' as a defined term in the NCI's online oncology dictionary.
• To advocate for the inclusion of 'hope' within this vital digital resource.
• To propose a framework for defining hope based on established psychological theory.

Main Methods:

• A commentary analyzing the content of the NCI's online oncology dictionary.
• Proposal for incorporating 'hope' using C. R. Snyder's "hope theory" (goals, pathways thinking, agency).
• Discussion of educational strategies for teaching hope as a skill.

Main Results:

• The current NCI oncology dictionary lacks an entry for 'hope'.
• The inclusion of 'hope' is proposed, defined by Snyder's model emphasizing goals, pathways, and agency.
• Hope can be taught to patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals via workshops and a mobile app ('Hopetimize').

Conclusions:

• The NCI oncology dictionary should include 'hope' to enhance patient and professional resources.
• Defining hope through Snyder's model provides a structured, actionable understanding.
• Interventions like workshops and the 'Hopetimize' app can effectively teach hope as a skill, improving coping and outcomes in cancer care.