Artificial Nutrition and Hydration in Terminally Ill Patients with Advanced Dementia: Opinions and Correlates among Italian Physicians and Nurses

2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 1143-1149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisabetta Valentini ◽  
Valter Giantin ◽  
Alberto Voci ◽  
Mario Iasevoli ◽  
Anna Zurlo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Artificial Nutrition ◽  
Advanced Dementia ◽  
Artificial Nutrition And Hydration ◽  
Terminally Ill Patients ◽  
Nutrition And Hydration

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs of Physicians and Other Health Care Providers Regarding Artificial Nutrition and Hydration at the End of Life

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 1121-1133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roschelle Heuberger ◽  
Helen Wong
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Artificial Nutrition ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Advanced Dementia ◽  
Artificial Nutrition And Hydration ◽  
Nutrition And Hydration ◽  
Eol Care

Objective: Despite the growing evidence against artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) use among patients with advanced dementia, little is known about the perspectives of the health care team. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of physicians and other health care providers regarding the use of ANH at the end of life (EOL). Methods: A cross-sectional survey explored the provision of EOL care using a hypothetical case scenario of a patient with advanced dementia and dysphagia. Questionnaire items were analyzed using parametric and nonparametric approaches. Results: In this sample of 323 respondents, statistical significance was found between physicians and other health care providers’ views on ANH and its related beneficial effects or health outcomes in EOL care. Discussion: Results indicate knowledge deficits in physicians and other health care professionals and highlight the need for comprehensive continuing education programs on EOL topics. Conclusion: Differences in knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding ANH in EOL among healthcare providers were observed and education regarding evidence based clinical guidelines are necessary.

scholarly journals Artificial nutrition and hydration

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Albar Mohammed Ali ◽  
Chamsi Pasha Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Supportive Care ◽  
Islamic Law ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Artificial Nutrition ◽  
Artificial Nutrition And Hydration ◽  
Human Need ◽  
Nutrition And Hydration

Hydration and nutrition are essential for the maintenance of life. Discontinuation of artificial support can result in distress for patients, family members, and healthcare providers. Proponents of maintaining hydration argue that hydration is a basic human need and can reduce and prevent dehydration-induced delirium, opioid neurotoxicity, and/or fatigue in terminally ill patients. Opponents have argued that parenteral hydration is burdensome and prolongs the dying process. Islamic law does not allow the withholding or withdrawal of basic nutrition because this would result in death by starvation. Terminal patients should continue receiving nutrition, hydration, and general supportive care without discrimination.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 01 No. 01 January’17. Page : 18-21

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