Ethics, artificial nutrition, and hydration in terminal patients; [Dimensão ética da alimentação e hidratação artificiais no doente terminal]; [Dimensión ética de la nutrición e hidratación artificial en los pacientes terminales]

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

de Oliveira e Magalhães, eMBC (Author) Other; da Costa e Silva, MPCR (Author) Other; Ivone Duarte (Author) FMUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: Revista Bioética

Vol. 32

ISSN: 1983-8042

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-HKH

DOI: 10.1590/1983-803420243604es

Abstract (EN): Given the lack of scientific evidence, decisions regarding the administration of artificial nutrition and hydration in terminally ill patients constitute an important ethical dilemma due to the conflict between ¿treat¿ and ¿care¿ perspectives and the varying usage depending on the legal and cultural background across countries. This study aims to explain whether this practice configures a basic care intervention or a futile medical treatment. Therefore, we review the national guidelines and codes of ethics from several European countries. Countries such as Portugal, Italy, and Poland view it as a basic care intervention, whereas France, England, Norway, Ireland, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland, as a medical treatment. Moreover, countries such as Romania, Croatia, and Hungary lack such legal framework. The different approaches regarding the care of terminally ill patients can reflect differences on cultural perspectives. © 2024, Conselho Federal de Medicina. All rights reserved.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific