THE TO FEED OR NOT TO FEED DILEMMA (REPRINTED FROM THE CONSULTANT DIETITIAN, VOL 21, 1997)

Advance directives can promote and improve communication between the p atient and the provider and ideally safeguard the resident's interests by directing medical care. Participation on the facility's ethics com mittee allows the dietitian to become involved in the legal and ethica l issues regarding feeding and to promote the use of specific advance directives for nutrition and hydration. Consider the goals of patient care carefully and assure that they are individualized and patient-cen tered. Continually reassess nutritional status and collaborate with th e health care team in recommending interventions and care plans for ea ch case.