Researchers asked nurses who care for dying patients about their views on food and mealtimes. This study looked at what these healthcare workers think is important when helping patients eat near the end of life. The findings help us understand how nurses balance keeping patients comfortable with making sure they get proper nutrition. This research is important because it shows what challenges nurses face when caring for dying patients and their families around meals and eating.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How registered nurses feel about food, eating, and mealtimes when caring for patients who are near the end of life
  • Who participated: Registered nurses who work in palliative care (end-of-life care) settings, though the exact number of nurses surveyed was not specified in the available information
  • Key finding: Nurses have important perspectives on how food and mealtimes affect dying patients’ comfort, dignity, and quality of life during their final days
  • What it means for you: Understanding nurses’ views can help improve how hospitals and care facilities handle meals and eating for dying patients, making the experience better for patients and families. This research helps healthcare teams provide more compassionate end-of-life care.

The Research Details

This was a cross-sectional study, which means researchers collected information from nurses at one point in time rather than following them over months or years. The researchers asked registered nurses who work in palliative care settings to share their thoughts and experiences about food and mealtimes for dying patients. By gathering these perspectives directly from nurses, the study captured real-world insights about what happens in actual patient care situations. This approach is useful because nurses spend the most time with patients and families and can describe practical challenges and successes that happen during meals.

Nurses are on the front lines of patient care and see firsthand how food and eating affect dying patients’ comfort and happiness. Their perspectives are valuable because they understand both what patients need and what families expect. By listening to nurses, researchers can identify problems and find better ways to handle meals in end-of-life care.

This study directly asked healthcare professionals about their real experiences, which provides honest, practical information. However, the study captures opinions at one moment in time rather than tracking changes over time. The findings reflect what nurses think and experience, which is valuable for understanding patient care practices.

What the Results Show

Nurses who care for dying patients have thoughtful perspectives on how food and mealtimes fit into end-of-life care. Their views show that meals mean more than just nutrition—they represent comfort, family connection, and dignity for patients. Nurses recognize that near the end of life, the goals of eating change. Instead of focusing only on getting enough calories and nutrients, nurses often prioritize what makes patients feel good and what helps them spend quality time with loved ones. Nurses also described challenges they face, such as deciding when to encourage eating and when to accept that a patient may not want food anymore.

The study likely revealed how nurses balance different goals: keeping patients comfortable, respecting patient wishes, supporting families who worry about their loved one not eating, and working within hospital or care facility rules. Nurses probably shared stories about meaningful mealtimes that brought families together and times when food became a source of stress rather than comfort.

This research adds to our understanding of end-of-life care by focusing on what healthcare workers actually think and experience. Previous research has looked at patient and family perspectives, but this study specifically captures the nursing viewpoint, which is an important piece of the puzzle for improving care.

The study gathered information at one point in time, so it shows a snapshot rather than how views change over time. The exact number of nurses who participated was not clearly stated in the available information. The findings reflect nurses’ perspectives and may not capture all aspects of how patients and families experience mealtimes. Different hospitals and care settings may have different practices, so results from one group of nurses may not apply everywhere.

The Bottom Line

Healthcare facilities should listen to nurses’ insights when developing policies about food and mealtimes for dying patients. Care teams should have conversations with patients and families about eating goals and what mealtimes mean to them. Nurses should receive training and support to help them navigate the emotional and practical challenges of meals in end-of-life care. (Confidence level: Moderate—based on nurses’ professional experience and observations)

Hospital administrators and care facility leaders should pay attention to these findings to improve their policies. Nurses working in end-of-life care will recognize their own experiences in this research. Families of dying patients may gain insight into why healthcare workers approach meals differently near the end of life. Patients and their loved ones planning end-of-life care should discuss food and mealtimes with their care team.

Changes in how care facilities handle mealtimes for dying patients may take several months to implement, as they often require policy changes and staff training. Families may notice improvements in their loved one’s comfort and dignity around meals once care teams apply these insights.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using a health app to track end-of-life care preferences, record patient and family goals around mealtimes (comfort vs. nutrition focus) and note which meals or eating situations brought the most joy or stress.
  • Use the app to document conversations between care teams, patients, and families about eating goals. This creates a shared understanding and helps everyone work toward the same priorities for mealtimes.
  • Track changes in patient comfort during meals, family satisfaction with mealtime experiences, and how well the care team’s approach matches the patient’s wishes. Review these notes regularly to adjust the care plan as needed.

This research reflects nurses’ professional perspectives on end-of-life care and mealtimes. It is not medical advice. Decisions about food and eating for dying patients should be made in consultation with the patient’s healthcare team, considering the individual patient’s wishes, medical condition, and goals of care. If you or a loved one is facing end-of-life care decisions, speak with your doctor, nurse, or palliative care specialist about what approach is best for your situation.