Hope-Oriented Care in Palliative Care: Relational and Organizational Perspectives From Nurses

ObjectivesHope is a dynamic, relational dimension of palliative care; little is known about how nurses themselves perceive and navigate hope-oriented practice. This study aimed to explore experienced palliative care nurses' perceptions of the relational and organizational barriers, facilitators, strategies, and practices involved in supporting hope.MethodsA qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was conducted using a single online focus group with 8 nurses experienced in palliative care. Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis following Bardin's approach.ResultsFour interconnected categories emerged: challenges in supporting hope (symptom control, limited time and availability, environmental and organizational constraints, and documentation limitations); facilitators of hope-oriented care (preserving autonomy, honest communication, family involvement, and genuine presence); organizational and team-level strategies (teamwork, nurse case management, and standardized instruments); and person-centered hope-promoting practices (personalized goals and dignity and meaning oriented care). Findings indicate that hope-oriented care depends not only on relational competencies but also on organizational conditions that enable continuity, documentation, and coordination.ConclusionsSupporting hope in palliative care should be understood as both a relational and an organizational responsibility.