This study explored the experience of hope for informal caregivers of palliative patients.
Interviews were conducted with 10 caregivers living with and providing care to a palliative
patient. The interview data were analyzed using grounded theory qualitative
methods.“Eroding hope” was their main concern—a result of bad days, negative messages,
and experiences with the health care system. The participants dealt with eroding hope by
“hanging on to hope.” Hanging on to hope had four subprocesses: a) doing what you have …

Abstract/This study explored the experience of hope for informal caregivers of palliative
patients. In-terviews were conducted with 10 caregivers living with and providing care to a
palliative patient. The interview data were analyzed using grounded theory qualitative
methods.“Eroding hope" was their main Concern-a result of bad days, negative messages,
and experiences with the health care system. The participants dealt with eroding hope by
“hanging on to hope." Hanging on to hope had four subprocesses: a) doing what you have …