What is it about?
This article explores the ethical issues surrounding clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) for adults who are unable to meet their nutritional needs independently due to medical conditions such as severe dysphagia, neurological disorders, or terminal illnesses. It emphasises the crucial role of advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) in guiding these ethically complex decisions. The article discusses the responsibilities of ACPs in assessing patient needs, facilitating discussions about CANH options, respecting patient preferences, and collaborating with multidisciplinary healthcare teams. Ethical principles such as autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice are explored in the context of CANH decision-making, along with legal and ethical frameworks, patient-centred approaches, and the integration of cultural and religious considerations.
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Why is it important?
This clinical review is both unique and timely as it addresses the pressing need for ethical decision-making in clinically assisted nutrition and hydration (CANH) amidst an ageing population and the rising prevalence of chronic and terminal illnesses. By focusing on the role of advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) in these decisions, the article highlights how ACPs can enhance patient-centred care, ensure decisions align with patient values, and improve the overall quality of life for patients. The insights provided in this article can lead to better clinical practices and outcomes by integrating ethical principles and patient preferences into CANH decision-making, ultimately promoting more compassionate and effective healthcare.
Perspectives
Writing this article allowed me to explore the significant yet often overlooked role of advanced clinical practitioners in ethically complex medical decisions. Through this paper, I hope to shed light on the importance of integrating ethical considerations into clinical practice, particularly in the context of CANH. My perspective as a practitioner and researcher in acute medicine has reinforced the need for ongoing ethical reflection and interdisciplinary collaboration to navigate these challenging decisions effectively. I hope this article encourages healthcare professionals to prioritise patient-centred care and ethical decision-making, fostering a more compassionate approach to managing CANH interventions.
Mr Hasan Hazim Alsararatee
University of Northampton
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The ethics of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration in adults and the role of the advanced clinical practitioner, British Journal of Nursing, July 2024, Mark Allen Group,
DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2024.0098.
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