Hope is considered a primary concern to the seriously ill patient, mainly at the end phase of diseases. The concepts of hope are reviewed, as well as its meaning in quality of life preservation, in patient collaboration and in decision-making about treatment. An emphasis is made on the relation between hope and the kind and amount of information, the moment and the way the bad news should be released. At last medical postures are suggested as the key to generate and support hope, taking in account the balance between autonomy and beneficence.
Life expectancy; Critical illness; Professional autonomy; Beneficence