Hope-Inspiring Strategies of Spouses of Critically Ill Adults

Abstract

Previous research indicates that hope is an important psychosocial need of families of intensive care unit (ICU) patients. However, there is a lack of nursing research about how to inspire hope in families of the critically ill. The purpose of this study was to explore the hope-inspiring strategies that spouses of critically ill adults used while their family member was critically ill. In addition, the author explored what spouses of critically ill persons perceived to be useful sources in maintaining or increasing their hope states while their loved one was critically ill. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, 20 spouses of patients hospitalized in an ICU for the first time were interviewed. Data were categorized into eight hope-inspiring themes, including spiritual religious activities, significant others, devotion for the patient, positive relationships with caregivers, physical presence at the bedside, talking to others, and the use of distraction mechanisms. In addition, five sources of hope were identified in this population.