Experience of Hope in Terminal Cancer Patients: Applying Parse' s Human Becoming Methodology

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of hope of terminal cancer patients in Korea. Methods: Seven participants receiving hospice care were interviewed about hope experiences based on Parse’s research methodology. Results: Practical propositions derived from the structure of the hope experience were: Terminal cancer patients are beings newly recognizing the value of their lives by maintaining their hopes while they are experiencing powerlessness due to feelings of loss and distress. Ways of truly being with them are accepting their experience of distress, understanding the existence of paradoxical relationships, active symptom management, and finding hope in the current situation. Through these processes, the patients restructure their remaining lives for peaceful death by changing their perceptions about death. This structure can be interpreted as ‘the hope experience of terminal cancer patients is a process of changing the value of life, overcoming fear of death, enhancing meaning, and transcending.’ Conclusion: The concept of ‘true presence’ applied in this study was proved to be an effective nursing practice improving quality of life of the patients. Parse’s Human Becoming Methodology may be applied to terminal cancer patients in the future.