How does information influence hope in family members of traumatic coma patients in intensive care unit?
OBJECTIVE
To assess the interplay between hope and the information provided by health care professionals.


BACKGROUND
Earlier research learned that hope is crucial for relatives of traumatic coma patients. Also it has been reported that the need for information is extremely important for relatives of critically ill patients.


METHODS
A qualitative approach according to the 'grounded theory' method with constant comparison was used.


METHODS
We held 24 in-depth interviews with 22 family members of 16 patients with traumatic coma. Data processing and data analysis took place in a cyclic process wherein the induction of themes was alternated by confrontation with new material.


RESULTS
Family members of traumatic coma patients want information that is as accurate as possible, provided by doctors and nurses in an understandable manner and leaving room for hope. At first, family members can do no more than passively absorb the information they receive. After some time, they actively start working with information and learn what to build their hope on. In this way, concrete hope evolves and seems to be strongly determined by information. Information that is more positive than warranted is not appreciated at all. It leads to false hope and once its real nature becomes apparent, to increased distress and loss of trust in the professionals.


CONCLUSIONS
The process of hope is crucial in coping with traumatic coma and information can facilitate this process.


CONCLUSIONS
If professionals, especially nurses, keep the process in mind that family members go through in handling information, they can not only facilitate this process but also help them to establish realistic hope.
Verhaeghe
Sofie T L
ST
Nursing Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. sofie.verhaeghe@ugent.be
van Zuuren
Florence J
FJ
Defloor
Tom
T
Duijnstee
Mia S H
MS
Grypdonck
Mieke H F
MH
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001530:Belgium; D020207:Coma, Post-Head Injury / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003422:Critical Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006379:Helping Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009013:Morale; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035502:Trust; D014789:Visitors to Patients / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology