Abstract
The concept of feeding at the end of life is frequently an emotive issue. Here, we present a series of cases set within Confucian inspired Singapore that highlight the various views held by local Chinese patients and their families as they confront a number of difficult issues pertaining to withdrawing and withholding feeding at the end of life. These findings are readily applicable to patients of East Asian backgrounds and help to shed light upon the competing considerations faced by patients and their families when considering the issue of feeding at the end of life.
Highlights
Food satiates more than simple biological functions for the terminally ill but brings to fore the many roles family and carers play in seeing to the needs of these patients
We present a series of cases set within Confucian inspired Singapore that highlight the various views held by local Chinese patients and their families as they confront a number of difficult issues pertaining to withdrawing and withholding feeding at the end of life
These findings are readily applicable to patients of East Asian backgrounds and help to shed light upon the competing considerations faced by patients and their families when considering the issue of feeding at the end of life
Summary
Food satiates more than simple biological functions for the terminally ill but brings to fore the many roles family and carers play in seeing to the needs of these patients. Such stigma is a very strong social force that has profound consequences for patients and their status within their respective social environments Combined with her interpretations of the teachings of Confucian and her familial beliefs, Madam T felt that both these interventions would leave her virtually house bound and isolated, unable to interact with others without the constant reminder that these tubes brought of her ‘abnormality’ and denied her the social benefits of eating (Chiu et al 2004, Oh et al 2004, Oh et al 2007, Kwok et al 2007, Payne et al 2008, Lai et al 2009, Chai et 2013). Despite our best efforts and significant religious, familial and psychological support, Madam T remained unmoved highlighting that for some the cultural and social expressions of how food is consumed takes priority over other considerations
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