Når mor ikke vil spise – Etiske dilemmaer i møte med underernærte mennesker med demens i sykehjem

Abstract

Aim This article explores the ethical dilemmas nurses in nursing homes experience when caring for malnourished patents with dementia. The background for the study is the increasing number of patients with dementia in nursing homes in Norway, and the growing awareness of malnutrition amongst these patients. Method The study has a qualitative, descriptive design. Data came from four focus group interviews with 15 nurses working with patients with dementia from six different nursing homes. The transcribed interviews were analysed and five ethical dilemmas were identified. Findings The ethical dilemmas were: ‘Guilty conscience or abuse against patient’, ‘To take account of patient or relatives’, ‘Professional judgment or national guidelines’, ‘Busy times lead to weight loss for patients’ and ‘Reflection with colleagues or professional uncertainty’. Conclusion By understanding and articulating ethical dilemmas nurses experience in caring for undernourished patients with dementia, these challenges can be better dealt with. By reflecting upon the various forms of pressure nurses face in every day practice, they can be better prepared to act for the benefit of malnourished patients with dementia.