Artificial Hydration & Nutrition Used in Hospice Care

A feeding tube, the avenue of artificial nutrition and hydration.

Artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) is technically called "medically assisted nutrition and hydration." The providing or withdrawing of ANH is an end-of-life decision which involves the hospice team and the patient or medical proxy.

Identification

Artificial nutrition and hydration refers to the administration of food and water "by artificial means," according to Thomas Shannon and Nicholas Kockler in "An Introduction to Bioethics."

Function

To provide ANH, according to Shannon and Kockler, is bioethically correct. It is seen as a means of "preserving life" and alleviating suffering.

Significance

Because providing ANH is considered bioethically correct, Shannon and Kockler state that "there should be a presumption in favor of providing nutrition and hydration to all patients."

Warning

However, there are three conditions under which ANH is not bioethically required; the patient's body cannot assimilate it, it causes physical discomfort, and its provision is impossible.

Benefits

As Shannon and Kockler point out, religious institutions advocate ANH, in principle, in order to protect the "fundamental human dignity" of the patient.

References

• "An Introduction to Bioethics"; Thomas Shannon, Nicholas Kockler; 2009

Resources

• "Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services"; "Directive 58"; USCCB; 2001