Examining Hope in Patients with ALS

A study from April's Journal of Palliative Medicine, released online this week, investigates the concept of hope in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Through interviews with 16 patients, the researchers defined eight categories of hope: hope for a cure, social support, search for information, spiritual beliefs, concern for others, adapting to changing capacities, living in the moment, and self-transcendence. The authors of the study suggest that the palliative care team has an opportunity to assist in the "process of acceptance of illness and death" for these patients.