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Abstract
Background: Palliative care professionals have recognized the importance of hope for their patients. However, they sometimes experience hope as a barrier for end-of-life communication, for instance when patients have unrealistic hope. A hope communication tool (HCT) may help them to address hope during clinical encounters but has not been developed yet. The objective of this study was to examine the feasibility of a HCT for palliative care professionals.
Method: Based on synthesis studies of hope, a hope communication tool (HCT) was developed. Palliative care professionals were asked to use and evaluate the tool by making use of a written evaluation scheme, mainly consisting of open-ended questions. Similarities and differences between participants and suggestions for revisions were thematically analyzed and discussed within the research team.
Results: Fourteen healthcare professionals (nine females; mean age 50.9 years) participated in the study: nine nurses, three physicians and two chaplains. The HCT helped participants to reach depth and address end-of-life issues. Most participants used it for other reasons than described in the tool. They used it when they faced difficulties that related to patients’ hope or hope-related themes, such as unrealistic hope or fear. Participants also gave feedback on the open or abstract character of questions, the assumptions of questions, and the distinctions between categories.
Discussion: The HCT is feasible and helps to reach depth and address end-of-life issues. The findings lead to a revised HCT. Future research should examine the impact of the use of this revised tool on patients.
Disclaimer statements
Contributors The three authors have contributed to all stages of the research process on which this paper is based, including setting up the study, data collection, data analysis, writing of the paper.
Funding This work was funded by ZonMw, The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development (grant number 1151.0013)
Conflicts of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Ethics approval According to Dutch law, an ethics review by an ethics committee was not required for this study.