- End-of-life care should be driven by the patient’s wishes and therefore assessment of their capacity is essential
- Ethical decisions around the provision of food and fluids in end-of-life care can be complex and the team need to respond to these on an individual basis
- Effective communication between the team and the patient’s family is key to the delivery of good end-of-life care
- In complex cases referral to specialist palliative care services should be considered
- Regular review of the patient’s needs and care plans is essential
- Many individuals may have made a decision around organ or tissue donation. These should be explored as part of advance care planning
- Importance of regular conversations with the family and re-assessment as needed e.g. if new symptoms develop or if the family raise new concerns
For more information on decision making for assisted hydration and nutrition at end of life visit STARS AM 3: Freda
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Page last reviewed: 15 Nov 2021
