THE FAMILYS PERSPECTIVE ON ISSUES OF HYDRATION IN TERMINAL CARE

We identified issues that are important to family caregivers when deci ding whether or not artificial hydration should be provided to patient s with advanced cancer. A qualitative study using semi-structured inte rviews was carried out in the home support and inpatient divisions of a palliative care program in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Participants includ ed children and spouses of terminally ill patients who had dealt with or would soon deal with issues of hydration. Factors influencing careg ivers included issues of symptom distress, ethical and emotional consi derations, information exchange between health professionals and famil y, and culture. The perceived benefits of artificial hydration by the caregivers were central to the ethical, emotional, and cultural consid erations involved in their decision making. Discussions with caregiver s should attempt to (a) discover the patient's wishes and attitudes co ncerning the procedure; (b) provide as accurate information as is avai lable about advantages and disadvantages; and (c) recognize and explor e caregivers' concerns that may or may not have been expressed.