A boa morte: o holos do “comer” no fim da vida

Abstract

Palliative care represents a multidisciplinary treatment seeking relief from pain and suffering of terminally ill patients and your relatives. This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the role of food in the palliative treatment of terminal patients. To carry out the work were consulted databases: Lilacs, Medline and Scielo. Were included in the published articles between 2000 and 2014, only in Portuguese, English or Spanish and were available virtually in full. The search returned seven works that they were later discussed in two categories that dialogue from conceptual questions about palliative care, understanding of food as a vehicle of pleasure and welfare for terminal patients. In common, these categories try to answer what the role of food for the terminally ill in a context of palliation. It is understood that palliation is a sustained approach to philosophical and bioethical pillars, which seeks to guarantee the autonomy and dignity of patients, and nutritional therapy, should be considered taking into account socio-economic, cultural, philosophical, ethical and spiritual aspects