What are the important elements to consider when evaluating the decision to withdraw feeding tubes?
The decision to remove a feeding tube can be complex and should involve a team consisting of family, religious, medical and if necessary-psychological guidance. The patient must have a voice in any such decision if at all possible. When not possible the surrogate or guardian holds the voice of the patient and speaks for the patient. Each individual case is quite different. When faced with such decisions we recommend utilizing The Center’s “Decision Making Model” to formally evaluate the influencing factors, values and other considerations.
