Academic Journal
Eating autonomy in final days: Terminally ill cancer patients' experiences.
| Τίτλος: | Eating autonomy in final days: Terminally ill cancer patients' experiences. |
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| Συγγραφείς: | Chen G; School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China., Wei Y; School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China., Zheng J; Department of Oncology, The Union Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China., Lin Z; School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China., Wu H; Department of Hospice Care, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, China., Xiao H; School of Nursing, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China.; Research Center for Nursing Humanity, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China. |
| Πηγή: | Nursing ethics [Nurs Ethics] 2026 May; Vol. 33 (3), pp. 781-792. Date of Electronic Publication: 2025 Dec 01. |
| Τύπος έκδοσης: | Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
| Γλώσσα: | English |
| Στοιχεία περιοδικού: | Publisher: SAGE Publications Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 9433357 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1477-0989 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 09697330 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Nurs Ethics Subsets: MEDLINE |
| Imprint Name(s): | Publication: London : SAGE Publications Original Publication: London, U.K. : Edward Arnold, c1994- |
| Ιατρικοί όροι (MeSH): | Neoplasms*/psychology , Neoplasms*/complications , Terminally Ill*/psychology , Feeding Behavior*/psychology , Personal Autonomy*, Humans ; Female ; Qualitative Research ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over |
| Περίληψη: | BackgroundThe entitlements and rights related to eating for patients with terminal cancer have long been challenged, particularly as deteriorating health conditions may compromise their autonomy in food choices and dietary preparation. Their vulnerable situation remains poorly understood, and limited research has explored the ethical dimensions of their eating-related experiences in the context of home-based hospice care.Research aimThe aim of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of eating-related experiences in terminally ill cancer patients from an ethical perspective.Research design and participantsThe descriptive qualitative method was conducted to explore the eating-related experience of 11 patients with terminal cancer who receiving home-based hospice care services.Ethical considerationsApproval was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee of the corresponding author's University.FindingsThe following three interconnected main themes were identified in patients with terminal cancer: eating not for pleasure but as a form of torture, erosion of existential meaning in dietary restrictions, and social isolation in shared spaces.Conclusion and final considerationsPatients with terminal cancer may face a dilemma as they navigate the balance between their right to enjoy food, cherish their remaining days, and sustain a desire for longevity. It is essential to consider significant ethical concerns surrounding nutrition and emphasize the patients' needs to maintain eating autonomy, dignity, and meaningful communication until their final moments. Future research is needed to explore the ways to foster an environment where both patients and caregivers can engage in effective and equitable dialogue, thereby bridging the gap in perceptions related to eating habits and the deeper existential meanings attached to nourishment. |
| Competing Interests: | Declaration of conflicting interestsThe authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. |
| Contributed Indexing: | Keywords: eating-related experience; ethics of care; hospice care; patients with terminal cancer; qualitative research |
| Entry Date(s): | Date Created: 20251201 Date Completed: 20260425 Latest Revision: 20260720 |
| Update Code: | 20260721 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/09697330251403144 |
| PMID: | 41325104 |
| Βάση Δεδομένων: | MEDLINE |
| ISSN: | 1477-0989 |
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| DOI: | 10.1177/09697330251403144 |