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The psychosocial experiences of older palliative patients while participating in a Living with Hope Program

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 April 2016

Wendy Duggleby ,
Dan Cooper ,
Cheryl Nekolaichuk ,
Laura Cottrell ,
Jenny Swindle  and
Kelsi Barkway
Wendy Duggleby*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Dan Cooper
Affiliation:
Canadian Association for Spiritual Care, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Cheryl Nekolaichuk
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology, Division of Palliative Care Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Laura Cottrell
Affiliation:
Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Jenny Swindle
Affiliation:
Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Kelsi Barkway
Affiliation:
Faculty of Arts and Science, Department of Sociology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Wendy Duggleby, Faculty of Nursing University of Alberta, Third Level ECHA 11405-87th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 1C9. E-mail: [email protected].
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Abstract

Objective:

Several studies have reported the effectiveness of a variety of psychosocial interventions in increasing levels of hope in palliative care patients. The experience of palliative patients while participating in these interventions is unknown. Understanding these experiences would provide a rich understanding of how the interventions work to foster hope. The purpose of the present study was to describe the psychosocial processes that participants with advanced cancer receiving palliative care experienced when taking part in a Living with Hope Program (LWHP).

Method:

In the context of a study evaluating the LWHP, data were collected from 13 dyads (persons with advanced cancer and their caregivers) at two timepoints (one week apart). A thematic qualitative analysis of 52 open-ended audiotaped interviews was conducted that focused on the psychosocial processes that occurred during the LWHP.

Results:

The average age of palliative participants was 67 (SD = 6.6) and of their family caregivers 61 years of age (SD = 13.9). A thematic analysis suggested that the participants experienced the following psychosocial processes while participating in the LWHP: (1) reminiscing, (2) leaving a legacy, (3) positive reappraisal, and (4) motivational processes. These processes are the mechanisms by which the LWHP fosters the positive outcomes of increasing hope and improving quality of life. As well, the finding of motivational processes suggested that the LWHP may also increase life satisfaction, which is an outcome of motivational processes.

Significance of the results:

The findings from our study underscore the importance of uncovering the psychosocial processes through which the LWHP works to foster hope. They will assist in making revisions to the intervention that will increase its effectiveness, as well as providing a better understanding of hope in persons with advanced cancer.

Keywords

MechanismsHopeQualitative researchOlder adultsAdvanced illness
Type
Original Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 14 , Issue 6 , December 2016 , pp. 672 - 679
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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