INTRODUCTION: The debate over use of artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in terminal illness, including advanced dementia, remains contentious despite extensive ethical and empirical investigation. METHODS: For this narrative review we undertook a focused, selective review of literature reflecting ethical analysis, empirical assessment of outcomes, legal responses, and thinking within the Roman Catholic religious tradition. RESULTS: The history of the debate over the past 60 years results from a complex interplay of ethical concerns, a growing empirical database, legal changes, public opinion, and financial as well as institutional concerns. Discussions of ANH today are often conducted without any understanding of this historical context. DISCUSSION: Patients' interests could be better protected through remedial action at both the individual and the policy levels.
INTRODUCTION: The debate over use of artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) in terminal illness, including advanced dementia, remains contentious despite extensive ethical and empirical investigation. METHODS: For this narrative review we undertook a focused, selective review of literature reflecting ethical analysis, empirical assessment of outcomes, legal responses, and thinking within the Roman Catholic religious tradition. RESULTS: The history of the debate over the past 60 years results from a complex interplay of ethical concerns, a growing empirical database, legal changes, public opinion, and financial as well as institutional concerns. Discussions of ANH today are often conducted without any understanding of this historical context. DISCUSSION: Patients' interests could be better protected through remedial action at both the individual and the policy levels.
Authors: Erin S DeMartino; Sara E Wordingham; John M Stulak; Barry A Boilson; Kayla R Fuechtmann; Nausheen Singh; Daniel P Sulmasy; Octavio E Pajaro; Paul S Mueller Journal: Mayo Clin Proc Date: 2017-05 Impact factor: 7.616
Authors: Maartje S Klapwijk; Monique A A Caljouw; Mirjam C van Soest-Poortvliet; Jenny T van der Steen; Wilco P Achterberg Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2014-09-02 Impact factor: 3.921