Nurses’ ethical decision-making role in artificial nutritional support

Abstract

This study provides an insight into the process of ethical decision-making regarding the initiation or withdrawal of artificial nutritional support of seriously ill patients and explores the nursing involvement in it. Fifteen health carers were recruited from a clinical nutrition unit in the UK and qualitative research methods were used to gather data. The findings of the study indicate that nursing contribution to decision-making appeared to be in the 'back room' as the nurses feel that the decisions about difficult ethical dilemmas are 'out of their hands' because of lack of knowledge, experience and confidence. The medical staff and the clinical nurse specialist appear to be primarily responsible for making important decisions. It is clear from the study that to become more effective in the process, nurses need to enhance their knowledge in nutritional support and to develop their practical skills in ethical decision-making through experience and research.