title: The concept of hope in life-threatening illness.
abstract: Achievable goals are important in fostering hope. The presence of hope is an important component of spiritual well-being. Being unrealistic may help the patient to cope. Nurses need to help patients achieve a balance between hopelessness and unrealistic hope.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wilkinson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D016638:Critical Illness / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D009013:Morale; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations