Cultural Considerations in Tube Feeding Decision-Making

Abstract

Tube feeding is a common intervention considered in the care of older adults. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the current literature on the relationship between cultural factors and tube feeding in older adults, to help prepare speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to consider these cultural factors in communicating with their patients and families who may be faced with a tube feeding decision. Although evidence indicates that this intervention lacks benefit in advanced dementia, the decision to provide tube feeding can be complicated and challenging. SLPs are often consulted to provide assistance in the evaluation of an older adult with eating and feeding problems, and have an important role in tube feeding decision-making. SLPs and the healthcare teams they work with need to be aware of regional, national, international, ethnic, cultural, and institutional differences in tube feeding decision-making and utilization. SLPs and their healthcare teams need culturally sensitive communication and assessment skills to gently elicit and address cultural influences in this decision.