Abstract
Objective Clinicians' fears of taking away patients' hope is one of the barriers to advance care planning (ACP). Research on how ACP supports hope is scarce. We have taken up the challenge to specify ways in which ACP conversations may potentially support hope. Methods In an international qualitative study, we explored ACP experiences of patients with advanced cancer and their personal representatives (PRs) within the cluster-randomised control ACTION trial. Using deductive analysis of data obtained in interviews following the ACP conversations, this substudy reports on a theme of hope. A latent thematic analysis was performed on segments of text relevant to answer the research question. Results Twenty patients with advanced cancer and 17 PRs from Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom were participating in post-ACP interviews. Three themes reflecting elements that provide grounds for hope were constructed. ACP potentially supports hope by being (I) a meaningful activity that embraces uncertainties and difficulties; (II) an action towards an aware and empowered position; (III) an act of mutual care anchored in commitments. Conclusion Our findings on various potentially hope supporting elements of ACP conversations provide a constructive way of thinking about hope in relation to ACP that could inform practice.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e13719 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | European Journal of Cancer Care |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 27 Sep 2022 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme FP7/2007‐2013 under grant agreement No 602541. The funding source had no role in study design; in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; in the writing of the report; and in the decision to submit the article for publication. Funding Information
Funding Information:
This publication is based on the ACTION project that is funded by the 7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (FP7) under grant agreement No 602541. We are grateful to all participating patients and relatives, facilitators, health care professionals and others who gave support and advice throughout the project.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 The Authors. European Journal of Cancer Care published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.