Emedinews:Insights on Medicolegal Issues:WMA declaration of Malta on hunger strikers – Guidelines for medical management

The doctor must assess the mental capacity of the individual. This involves verifying that an individual intending to fast does not have a mental impairment that would seriously undermine the person’s ability to make health care decisions. Individuals with seriously impaired mental capacity cannot be considered to be hunger strikers. They need to be given treatment for their mental health problems rather than allowed to fast in a manner that risks their health.

As early as possible, physicians should acquire a detailed and accurate medical history of the person who is intending to fast. The medical implications of any existing condition should be explained to the individual. Physicians should verify that hunger strikers understand the potential health consequences of fasting and forewarn them in plain language of the disadvantages. Physicians should also explain how damage to health can be minimized or delayed by, for example, increasing fluid intake. Since the person’s decisions regarding a hunger strike can be momentous, ensuring full patient understanding of the medical consequences is critical. Consistent with best practices for informed consent in health care, the physician should ensure that the patient understands the information conveyed by asking the patient to repeat back what they understand.