Summary

Background

Hope is identified as an important part of recovery and nurses are identified as having a crucial role in facilitating hope in patients and their families.

Aims and objectives

This paper examines perceptions of hope in health care with a particular focus on: the nature of hope in nursing; the relationship of hope to other related concepts; the experience of hope in some contexts; and the contribution of nursing.

Conclusions

A literature review was undertaken drawing on concept clarification and evaluation which identified hope as an emerging concept. Further research is required to explore hope within orthopaedic and trauma settings. Furthermore a thorough understanding of how staff and patients interact, experience hope; and what strategies facilitate therapeutic care in this area is required.

Relevance to clinical practice

Hope is presented as a core concept for practice because it is inextricably linked to individual’s experience and recovery. However unless practical and useful ways of working with hope that benefit patients are identified; hope will remain an under utilised concept in healthcare.