Supporting people who have eating and drinking difficulties

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Palliative Care
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Eating and drinking are vital for nutrition, hydration, pleasure, and social interaction.
• Complex physiological systems govern eating and drinking, making them prone to difficulties.
• Difficulties with eating and drinking significantly impact patient quality of life, particularly at the end of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an executive summary of the updated Royal College of Physicians (RCP) guidance on supporting individuals with eating and drinking difficulties.
• To assist healthcare professionals in making challenging decisions regarding nutrition and hydration, especially in end-of-life care.
• To promote collaborative decision-making among healthcare professionals, patients, families, and carers, focusing on patient best interests.

Main Methods:

• The guidance synthesizes current knowledge on factors affecting eating and drinking.
• It outlines strategies for supporting oral nutrition and hydration.
• It details clinically-assisted nutrition and hydration techniques and reviews the legal/ethical framework.

Main Results:

• The guidance emphasizes the importance of capacity and best interests in decision-making.
• It provides a comprehensive overview of supporting patients with eating and drinking challenges.
• It highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to nutrition and hydration management.

Conclusions:

• Updated RCP guidance offers crucial support for managing eating and drinking difficulties.
• The guidance facilitates informed, patient-centered decisions regarding nutrition and hydration.
• Effective management requires understanding physiological, legal, and ethical considerations.