Nutritional treatment from the perspective of palliative care patients and their caregivers: "Is this the end of the road?".

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In palliative care, the main objective is to improve the quality of life of patients, and nutritional treatment may play an important role in enhancing well-being and maintaining strength. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions of patients and their caregivers of nutritional therapies, improve care strategies, and guide healthcare professionals.

METHODS

This qualitative study used purposive sampling with 10 patients and 10 caregivers in the Medical Oncology Palliative Care Clinic. Semistructured interviews were conducted until data saturation was reached. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

Four key themes emerged regarding the perceptions of palliative care patients and caregivers regarding nutritional treatment: "Food craving and feeding struggle," "Negotiation process on nutritional treatment," "Reflections of ambivalent emotions," and "Dilemma: Life saver or Burden?". Participants conveyed both relief and distress from nutritional treatment, considering this approach as a necessary yet sometimes burdensome component of care. The phrase "Is this the end of the road?" encapsulated the emotional complexity involved in the decision to begin or withdraw nutritional treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The perceptions of palliative care patients and their caregivers regarding nutritional treatment involve dilemmas both physiologically and emotionally. Although nutritional treatment is seen as a requirement and a hope for the continuation of life, it is sometimes perceived as a burden and creates feelings of helplessness. The analysis of these considerations may help healthcare professionals to improve their approach in the nutritional management of their patients in palliative care.