Enteral nutrition therapy in cancer patients under palliative care: a bioethics analysis

Authors

  • Viviane Campos Leite Loyolla Centro Universitário São Camilo.
  • Leocir Pessini Entidades Camilianas do Brasil.
  • Andrea Bottoni Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes.
  • Sandra Caires Serrano Hospital A. C. Camargo.
  • Ana Lucia Teodoro Hospital A. C. Camargo.
  • Adriana Bottoni Gerente Médica do  Hospital A. C. Camargo.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2317-2770.v16i1p47-59

Keywords:

Bioethics, Neoplasms, Hospice care, Nutrition therapy.

Abstract

Nutritional therapy in patients with very advanced or terminal disease is frequently discussed by health care professionals. Compromised nutritional status is a common complication in cancer patients, whose

weight loss is often the first symptom and is associated with increased morbidity and/or mortality. In palliative care, the primary goal of nutritional therapy is to improve the patient’s quality of life, minimizing nutrition-related symptoms and postponing or avoiding loss of autonomy. Considering that bioethics is a tool for reflection and action, its principles and references must be present in every attitude and decision, which implies deep reflection by the health care team, the patient and his/her family, focusing on the patient’s benefit. The aim of this study was to analyze, from a bioethical point of view, the use of enteral nutritional therapy in oncologic patients receiving palliative care, investigating participation of the patient and his/her family members in decision making regarding enteral nutritional therapy and their views on the use of this therapy.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Viviane Campos Leite Loyolla, Centro Universitário São Camilo.
    Nutricionista, Mestre em Bioética pelo Centro Universitário São Camilo, Especialista em Nutrição Clínica pelo Centro Universitário São Camilo.
  • Leocir Pessini, Entidades Camilianas do Brasil.
    Professor Doutor em Bioética e Teologia Moral, Presidente Provincial das Entidades Camilianas do Brasil.
  • Andrea Bottoni, Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes.
    Professora Doutora do Curso de Medicina da Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes.
  • Sandra Caires Serrano, Hospital A. C. Camargo.
    Médica Responsável pelo Serviço de Cuidados Paliativos do Hospital A. C. Camargo.
  • Ana Lucia Teodoro, Hospital A. C. Camargo.
    Enfermeira Responsável pelo Serviço de Cuidados Paliativos do Hospital A. C. Camargo.
  • Adriana Bottoni, Gerente Médica do  Hospital A. C. Camargo.

    Gerente Médica do  Hospital A. C. Camargo.

Published

2011-06-07

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Enteral nutrition therapy in cancer patients under palliative care: a bioethics analysis. (2011). Saúde Ética & Justiça , 16(1), 47-59. https://doi.org/10.11606/issn.2317-2770.v16i1p47-59