Truth-telling versus hope: a dilemma in practice.
This paper presents a brief outline of the attributes and therapeutic nature of hope in the context of truth-telling. It is suggested that, in some circumstances, withholding the truth to protect hope can be considered a morally acceptable option when truth-telling has the potential to destroy hope's therapeutic effects. A clinical vignette that highlights how the practitioner can be confronted with a clash of principles is presented. The possible consequences of both truth-telling and the withholding of truth are discussed and the moral positions of the health-care professionals involved are examined. This article is intended to provide a framework for discussion/group work, particularly at undergraduate level.
Begley
A
A
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. A.Begley@Queens-Belfast.AC.UK
Blackwood
B
B
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009013:Morale; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011379:Prognosis; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology*; D014342:Truth Disclosure