The management of nutrition in palliative care

Abstract

In order to improve quality of life, nutrition in palliative care should be one of the main goals when managing a patient’s care.  Malnutrition is a dominating factor when it comes to the palliative patient.  Poor nutrition can not only hinder the patient but also their families as they see changes in their loved ones.  The main aim of nutrition is to maximise food enjoyment and minimize food related discomfort. There are guidelines available for health care professionals to assist them in delivering high quality care to cancer and palliative patients.   Nurses and other healthcare professionals play a vital role in the management of nutrition by providing both physical and emotional support for both the patient and their families.  Ethical questions are also raised when it comes to artificial nutritional support which puts professionals, patients and family members in difficult positions.