title: Artificial nutrition: dilemmas in decision-making.
abstract: Artificial nutrition is a supportive medical therapy to attain pre-defined objectives, which should be adjusted to changing clinical situations. Optimal decision-making is based on the available scientific evidence blended with the science of probability and a spice of the art of uncertainty. Complex dilemmas in decision-making often occur given the paucity of solid scientific data to endorse precise indications and timing of prescription, whilst goals to be achieved may vary from clinical benefits to compassionate use. Hence, healthcare professionals must be aware and abide by the current norms of medical ethics, whereby eliciting and respecting patients' preferences is paramount. Patient-focused care implies: to respect patients' rights, to clearly inform and involve the patient in the decision-making process, to implement a therapeutic plan based on the best available care to suit patients' needs and informed options.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition Support Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Mercé
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Planas
authors.forename: Maria E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Camilo
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics*; D026690:Ethics, Clinical; D006801:Humans; D016224:Living Wills / Q000941:ethics; D018529:Nutritional Support / Q000941:ethics*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000941:ethics; D010358:Patient Participation; D028701:Patient Rights / Q000941:ethics; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life