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Home StrategiesEncouraging
hope |
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In health care, hope is often viewed in terms of making an accurate diagnosis, prescribing effective (and cost effective) treatment and sending the patient home in a fully recovered state. This is not always possible in life-threatening and terminal illness, and often leads to premature and unrealistic reassurance being given in an attempt to maintain hope.
From the Health Professionals perspective, realistic hope may hinge on maintaining the best possible quality of life for the patient, but, rather than the doctor attempting to find hope in a difficult situation, a better way forward is to ask the patient what they hope for from their current situation. This respects the uniqueness of each individual and acknowledges their ability to make their own plans. Possible questions are:
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You seem to know that time is short - is there anything you
want to do in the time you have?
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What sort of things, are important to you, given the current
situation?
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How have your plans changed?
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Families may need help with this, for when a loved one is seriously
ill, the family often make plans which they feel are best for the
patient. This can lead to conflict if the patient does not readily
accept these plans. If you suspect that this is the case, you might
test it:
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Have you discussed these plans with your husband?
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What do you think she wants to do?
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I'd check that John feels up to it before you actually book
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Families generally respond well as long as they do not feel that you
are taking control. Their aim is to give the patient pleasant surprises,
so they may not have thought ahead to check things out, and could
be grateful for the chance to rethink. When we look at the plans patients
make, it is often surprising to find that they are very realistic
in their hopes, both in terms of what can be achieved and the appropriate
time frame.
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Denial
