Enhancing hope in people with a first recurrence of cancer

Researchers and clinicians have identified the need for well-defined intervention studies to test the efficacy of interventions designed to strengthen hope. This quasi-experimental study sought to determine if a specific nursing intervention program designed to enhance hope would positively influence levels of hope and quality-of-life (QOL) in a convenience sample of 115 people with a first recurrence of cancer who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: treatment group (hope), attention control group (informational), or control group (usual treatment). The Herth Hope Index (HHI) and the Cancer Rehabilitation and Evaluation Systems, Short Form (CARES-SF) were administered prior to intervention, immediately after intervention and at 3, 6, and 9-month intervals. Treatment and control groups differed significantly with regard to level of hope (P=0.02) and QOL (P=0.03). Both the level of hope and QOL were significantly increased (P=0.03) immediately after intervention and across time (3, 6 and 9 months). This study was a preliminary attempt to design, implement, and evaluate a theory-driven hope intervention program. Knowledge about the effectiveness of specific interventions designed to enhance hope is vital if nurses are to significantly influence hope in those whom are in their care.