Legal considerations in the care of patients with “terminal dehydration” in Germany

摘要: Background The legal framework for fluid management in the palliative care setting varies between continents and even between countries. Objectives What legal implications must be taken into account in Germany in dealing with “terminal” dehydration? Materials and methods Relevant publications in English and German have been identified. Notably, German recommendations and guidelines were reviewed, whereas national mindsets were contrasted with those of other countries like the United Kingdom and Canada. Results Our legal considerations are in line with the recommendations of the German Federal Medical Association. Key components are “patient autonomy”, “best possible symptom control” and a “steady therapeutic risk–benefit assessment”. Dehydration should then …