Stopping artificial nutrition and hydration in end-of-life care cancer patients
Kemppainen, Pihla (2021)
Kemppainen, Pihla
2021
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021100718437
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2021100718437
Tiivistelmä
The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that each year 40 million are in need for palliative
care, however only 14% receive it. Furthermore, the global cancer burden is significant and ever increasing.
It has been estimated that in 2040 cancer cases per year globally would double from the year 2018. WHO
has set priorities regarding cancer care; early diagnosis, prevention, screening and providing palliative care
for all. The biggest question that stands out is whether to continue artificial nutrition and intravenous rehydration at end-of-life.
The aim was to research the views associated in deciding use of artificial nutrition or hydration in cancer
care. The focus was on cancer patients over the age of eighteen. The purpose was to provide information
for health care professionals, patients, and family members in their decision-making process.
The study was conducted as a literature review and the data was collected through the following data bases; Cinahl, PubMed and Sage Journals. Overall, five articles were chosen and analysed using thematic analysis through which two main themes were formed: insight and geographical location. The results indicated
that caring for end-of-life-care cancer patients and relatives is complex as culture, communication, and
emotions affect their views. Furthermore, relatives more frequently expressed concerns regarding the care
rather than the patients themselves. Gaining insight into a wider range of cultures and how the culture affects their decision-making leads to more informative reasoning of relative’s feelings which in turn would
help professionals in the healthcare field to meet the needs of both the patient and their loved ones.
care, however only 14% receive it. Furthermore, the global cancer burden is significant and ever increasing.
It has been estimated that in 2040 cancer cases per year globally would double from the year 2018. WHO
has set priorities regarding cancer care; early diagnosis, prevention, screening and providing palliative care
for all. The biggest question that stands out is whether to continue artificial nutrition and intravenous rehydration at end-of-life.
The aim was to research the views associated in deciding use of artificial nutrition or hydration in cancer
care. The focus was on cancer patients over the age of eighteen. The purpose was to provide information
for health care professionals, patients, and family members in their decision-making process.
The study was conducted as a literature review and the data was collected through the following data bases; Cinahl, PubMed and Sage Journals. Overall, five articles were chosen and analysed using thematic analysis through which two main themes were formed: insight and geographical location. The results indicated
that caring for end-of-life-care cancer patients and relatives is complex as culture, communication, and
emotions affect their views. Furthermore, relatives more frequently expressed concerns regarding the care
rather than the patients themselves. Gaining insight into a wider range of cultures and how the culture affects their decision-making leads to more informative reasoning of relative’s feelings which in turn would
help professionals in the healthcare field to meet the needs of both the patient and their loved ones.