Hope-Promoting Communication With Pediatric Patients With Chronic Diseases and Their Families: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare communication
• Psychosocial support in chronic illness
• Hope-fostering strategies

Background:

• Effective communication is crucial for the professional-patient relationship, patient coping, and hope during chronic illness treatment.
• This study addresses the need for strategies to promote hope in pediatric patients and families facing chronic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map existing literature on communication strategies that healthcare professionals can use to instill hope in pediatric patients and their families.
• To provide an algorithm to guide healthcare professionals in fostering hope through communication.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted using multiple databases (PubMed, LILACS, PsycInfo, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus).
• The PCC framework and Boolean operators were employed within a 20-year timeframe (2004-2024).
• 19 articles were included from an initial search of 738 studies.

Main Results:

• Hope is promoted through three communication pillars: preparation for information delivery (addressing needs, creating supportive environments), the presentation of information (clarity, honesty, empathy, adaptation), and follow-up (emotional support, active listening).

Conclusions:

• Interpersonal communication should focus on clear, empathetic information delivery about disease and treatment, considering patient and family interpretation.
• This review offers guidance for healthcare professionals and serves as a training model, highlighting the need for further research in diverse cultural contexts.