End of life care: Adult patients who lack capacity

Please see footnote³⁴

1. 118. If a patient lacks capacity and cannot eat or drink enough to meet their nutrition or hydration needs, you must assess whether providing clinically assisted nutrition or hydration would be of overall benefit to them, following the decision model in paragraph 16 and guidance in paragraphs 40-48. Clinically assisted nutrition or hydration will usually be of overall benefit, if for example they prolong life or provide symptom relief. You must assess the patient’s nutrition and hydration needs separately. You must monitor the patient’s condition, and reassess the benefits, burdens and risks of providing clinically assisted nutrition or hydration as the patient’s condition changes.