Nutrition and hydration in terminally ill patients: an update.
Many health care professionals lack knowledge about artificial nutrition and hydration at the end of life or may hold different attitudes about artificial nutrition and hydration compared with other treatments. Consequently, they may convey inaccurate or misleading information to patients or their surrogate decision makers. An updated understanding about artificial nutrition and hydration in light of prevailing medical evidence is presented.
Huang
Z B
ZB
Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.
Ahronheim
J C
JC
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003657:Decision Making; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D018447:Medical Futility; D018529:Nutritional Support / Q000379:methods*; D012297:Right to Die / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States