Medical communication and decision-making about assisted hydration in the last days of life: A qualitative study of doctors experienced with end of life care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The impact of assisted hydration on symptoms and survival at the end of life is unclear. Little is known about optimal strategies for communicating and decision-making about this ethically complex topic. Hydration near end of life is known to be an important topic for family members, but conversations about assisted hydration occur infrequently despite guidance suggesting these should occur with all dying people.

Aim

To explore the views and experiences of doctors experienced in end-of-life care regarding communicating with patients and families and making decisions about assisted hydration at the end of life.

Design

Qualitative study involving framework analysis of data from semi-structured interviews.

Setting/participants

Sixteen UK-based Geriatric

SUBMITTER: Kingdon A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9248002 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature