Ethical issues in the management of dysphagia after stroke

When patients have severe dysphagia after a stroke, tube feeding may be recommended to reduce the risks associated with malnutrition, dehydration, and/or aspiration. Patients may not be able to participate in decision making, but they may have previously expressed strong preferences related to tube feeding. Clinicians must work together with the family to establish a treatment plan that is respectful of the person's previous wishes, yet mindful of the flaws in advance care planning. Although ethical issues cannot be avoided, clinicians can reduce uncertainty by understanding current ethical and legal views on these challenging issues.