Dehydration in the terminally ill patient.

Background: Many healthcare professionals believe that dehydration is painful and uncomfortable for dying patients. There is increasing evidence to support the view that dehydration might aid comfort and reduce stress in the final days of terminal illness. The decision of whether or not to administer artificial hydration intravenously of subcutaneously causes much concern for healthcare professionals. The British Medical Association's 1999 guidance for decision making, Withholding and Withdrawing Life: Prolonging Medical Treatment, states that: '...the emotional and psychological burden on staff involved with withdrawing or withholding life-prolonging treatment should be recognised and adequate support mechanisms need to be available and easily accessible before, during and after decisions have been made.
Conclusion: Raising awareness of the effects of dehydration in terminally ill patients will lead to a better understanding among staff on the ward. It will help them to further promote the comfort of dying patients and help relatives come to terms with this distressing situation.