Identifying a Framework for Hope in Order to Establish the Importance of Generalised Hopes for Individuals Who Have Suffered a Stroke

Abstract EN

Hope and hopelessness are important psychological constructs that physiotherapists should consider when working with patients who have experienced a stroke.

The view of hope in rehabilitation is often focused around the concept of goals and how hope works within this framework.

However, the current paper proposes a broader framework for hope and the importance of a more generalised view of understanding why a certain hope exists or is identified by a patient.

A narrative review using an a priori thematic analysis was undertaken to consider how more generalised hopes are expressed by individuals who have suffered a stroke.

An electronic search of 4 databases from inception until April 2014 was undertaken.

Qualitative articles were included if they considered the concept of hope for patients who had suffered a stroke.

The results identified three themes which included (1) consideration of the patient’s identity/identities, (2) meaningful activities, experiences, and interactions, and (3) the experience of suffering and need for relief.

An awareness of patients’ generalised hopes should be a priority for HCPs.

Detailed implications for HCPs are identified within the discussion.