Problems for nursing research need to be identified. They seek to relate these 'forms of suffering' to truth, by means of the existential approach of McQuarrie,2 whereby they seek to show how pain, misfortune and guilt can deepen life, and contribute towards integrity and value. Although they do not specify any content or substance for this hope, they end with a plea to reduce and alleviate suffering. Key points Coming to terms with a life-threatening illness is likely to include a crisis where the norms, values or beliefs by which someone has been influenced are severely undermined. There is a real place for offering hope, based on an exploration, by carer and patient, of those values and beliefs that both have.
Palliative care is itself a compassionate response.
An important part of the process of coming to terms is to explore, with the help of others, the meaning of past events and to adapt to present reality.