Navigating Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking in Hospice Settings: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• End-of-Life Studies
• Bioethics

Background:

• Voluntarily stopping eating and drinking (VSED) is an end-of-life choice raising ethical and clinical questions.
• Global research on VSED is evolving, necessitating clear guidance for healthcare providers.
• Hospice settings require specific protocols to manage VSED with compassion and respect for patient autonomy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore global research on VSED.
• To present a case study of VSED in a US hospice.
• To offer evidence-based recommendations for supporting patients and families undergoing VSED.

Main Methods:

• Review of current global literature on VSED.
• Detailed, deidentified case study analysis of a patient electing VSED.
• Inclusion of multidisciplinary healthcare team perspectives.

Main Results:

• Successful collaborative support for a patient and family undergoing VSED was achieved.
• Multiple healthcare professional perspectives highlight the complexities of VSED care.
• Evidence-based recommendations were developed to address ethical, medical, and emotional challenges.

Conclusions:

• Structured protocols and empathetic care are crucial for VSED in hospice.
• Education and preparation are vital for healthcare teams and families managing VSED.
• Open communication and interdisciplinary collaboration ensure dignified end-of-life experiences for VSED patients.