How should one approach discussions regarding artificial hydration and nutrition (e.g. feeding tubes)?
In discussions with patients/residents and families, focus on the PATIENT’S OWN values, preferences and beliefs: • Focus on the underlying disease process as cause of decline and loss of appetite • Emphasize the active nature of providing comfort care • Recognize the concerns about “starvation”, inadequate nutrition or hydration and potentially hastening death that many individuals deal with in facing this decision and address these issues • Clarify that withholding or withdrawing artificial nutrition and hydration is NOT the same as denying food and drink For further information on the benefits and burdens of tube feedings, view PEG Tube Feeding Guidelines.
