Towards Hope Seeking Intervention Based on Individual Experience in Palliative Care

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to discuss challenges for hope seeking intervention based on individual experience (HSIBIE) in palliative care, assuming that hope is an individualized unique, subjective, and dynamic experience. Methods: Literature, including analysis and discussion, was reviewed to identify limitations and ways to develop HSIBIE. Results: This study identified following challenges: 1. Hope was often described and utilized as a standardized unified structure with varying attributes or mono-structure emphasizing a realistic hope, or both of them (relativism vs. monism) in one literature. This challenge is represented as a problem in conceptualization. 2. Few studies discussed various patterns of hope or individuals' unique experiences in palliative care. 3. The HSIBIE and the method for the HSIBIE have been rarely discussed. Conclusion: A problem in conceptualization is often related to fixed ideas formed over a long period and used in a closed circle of scholars and professionals. Therefore, such fixed ideas should be openly challenged with fresh perspectives. The second issue requires a cross-cultural studies of various hope experiences in palliative care, which c an be used for effective and appropriate HSIBIE. (Korean J Hosp Palliat Care 2012;15:1-9)Key Words: Hope, Individualization, Intervention, Palliative care서론