The decision-making process underlying caregivers’ choice to continue feeding at the end of life is not well understood.
Objectives:
To provide a better understanding of the complex interplay of factors that influence the decision by caregivers to continue feeding.
Methods:
Palliative care patients and their main caregiver recruited at National Cancer Centre Singapore between May and July 2011 were included. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire.
Results:
One hundred respondents were included. Three major prevailing themes were identified: filial piety, source of hope, and expression of affection. Nonparametric statistical testing showed that patients and caregivers shared similar views about feeding at the end of life.
Discussion:
The major themes identified above undergird the caregiver’s decision to continue feeding at the end of life.
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