Artificial Hydration in the Hospice Setting, a Multidisciplinary Approach

Presenter: Brad Macy RN, BSN, BA

Description:

The decision to provide artificial hydration in hospice is an interdisciplinary decision involving psycho-social, ethical, clinical, educational, spiritual and logistical considerations. Brad Macy RN, BSN, CHPN a 30-year veteran hospice nurse presents an in-depth look at these different considerations. The lecture discusses ideas for education and conversations with patients and caregivers and reviews the different modes available for non-oral hydration including intravenous, hypodermoclysis, and proctoclysis via the Macy Catheter.

Objectives:

1. At the end of this course the participant will be able to discuss the different considerations involved in deciding the appropriateness of hydration in hospice patients.
2. At the end of this course the participant will be able to verbalize understanding of how to talk with patients and families about the benefits and burdens of hydrating at end of life.
3. At the end of this course the participant will be able to list the benefits and burdens of different modalities for hydration in the hospice setting.