What is artificial nutrition and hydration?
Artificial nutrition and hydration is a form of life-sustaining treatment. It is a chemically balanced mix of nutrients and fluids, provided by placing a tube directly into the stomach, the intestine or a vein. Is artificial nutrition and hydration different from ordinary eating and drinking? Yes. An obvious difference is that providing artificial nutrition and hydration requires technical skill. Professional skill and training is necessary to insert the tube and to make decisions about how much and what type of feed to give. Skilled management is also required to limit bad side effects. Other important differences exist. Artificial nutrition and hydration does not offer the sensory rewards and comfort that come from the taste and texture of food and liquids. Doctors and nurses, rather than patients themselves, control when and how much will be “eaten”. Finally, the social interaction that often accompanies eating and drinking is not present. Will the withdrawal of artificial nutrition
