This report of OTA has conducted a study of a wide range of topics, some of which have recently been receiving a great deal of scrutiny inside and outside the government. In order to derive information specific enough to guide possible congressional action and to be responsive to the requesting Committees, this examination of the issues is specifically tied to particular life-sustaining technologies and their use with patients who are elderly. At the same time, much of this information is applicable to life-sustaining technology in general and to citizens of all ages.

This report discusses the enteral or parenteral nutritional support as a therapy for anyone, including someone 65 or older, who is unable to meet his/her nutrition needs with meals and snack due to inadequate ingestion or impaired digestion or absorption.