Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in cases of terminal cancer: the opinions of physicians and nurses in Greece

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (4) ◽  
pp. 333-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Efi Parpa ◽  
Kyriaki Mystakidou ◽  
Eleni Tsilika ◽  
Pavlos Sakkas ◽  
Elisabeth Patiraki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patient ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Assisted Suicide ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Respiratory Arrest ◽  
Terminal Cancer ◽  
Physician Assisted Suicide ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Terminally Ill Cancer Patients ◽  
Hastened Death

The aim of this study was to investigate the opinions of physicians and nurses on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide in advanced cancer patients in Greece. Two hundred and fifteen physicians and 250 nurses from various hospitals in Greece completed a questionnaire concerning issues on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. More physicians (43.3%) than nurses (3.2%, p<0.0005) reported that in the case of a cardiac or respiratory arrest, they would not attempt to revive a terminally ill cancer patient. Only 1.9% of physicians and 3.6% of nurses agreed on physician-assisted suicide. Forty-seven per cent of physicians and 45.2% of nurses would prefer the legalization of a terminally ill patient's hastened death; in the case of such a request, 64.2% of physicians and 55.2% of nurses (p=0.06) would consider it if it was legal. The majority of the participants tended to disagree with euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide in terminally ill cancer patients, probably due to the fact that these acts in Greece are illegal.

Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide: a comparative survey of physicians, terminally ill cancer patients, and the general population.

1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 418-427 ◽  
Author(s):  
M E Suarez-Almazor ◽  
M Belzile ◽  
E Bruera
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Assisted Suicide ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Attitudes And Beliefs ◽  
Physician Assisted Suicide ◽  
Terminally Ill Cancer Patients ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Public ◽  
Emotional Suffering

PURPOSE AND METHODS There is an ongoing debate about the legalization of euthanasia. The attitudes and beliefs of the general public and physicians appear to differ; the views of patients have not been adequately explored. During 1995, we conducted a simultaneous survey in the province of Alberta, Canada, of a random sample of 1,240 individuals from the general population, 179 physicians, and 62 consecutive patients with terminal cancer. The same instrument was administered to the public and physicians through telephone interview, and to patients in a face-to-face interview. Statements related to the legalization of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide were scored using 1-to-7 Likert agreement scales. RESULTS A slight majority of members of the public and terminally ill patients (50% to 60%) agreed with the legalization of euthanasia and assisted suicide, while most physicians (60% to 80%) opposed it. In multivariate analysis, independent associations with support of active end of life measures included the following: group surveyed, strength of religious beliefs, religion (highest support by individuals with no religion), education (lower education associated with higher support), and the perception of burden on families, and physical and emotional suffering by cancer patients. CONCLUSION In all groups, a marked polarization of attitudes was observed, with most individuals either strongly agreeing or strongly disagreeing with the statements in the survey. Although a slight majority of the public supported euthanasia, one third opposed it. Most physicians opposed these interventions and appeared not to be willing to perform these procedures if legalized. Our findings suggest that legalization at this time could be highly divisive and controversial from a societal perspective.

Complexity of desire for hastened death in terminally ill cancer patients: A cluster analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yutaka Hatano ◽  
Tatsuya Morita ◽  
Masanori Mori ◽  
Isseki Maeda ◽  
Shunsuke Oyamada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Terminally Ill Cancer Patients ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Specialized Palliative Care ◽  
Hastened Death ◽  
Palliative Care Units

Abstract Objectives The present study aims were (1) to identify the proportion of terminally ill cancer patients with desire for hastened death (DHD) receiving specialized palliative care, (2) to identify the reasons for DHD, and (3) to classify patients with DHD into some interpretable subgroups. Methods Advanced cancer patients admitted to 23 inpatients hospices/palliative care units in 2017 were enrolled. Data were prospectively obtained by the primarily responsible physicians. The presence/absence of DHD and reasons for DHD were recorded. A cluster analysis was performed to identify patterns of subgroups in patients with DHD. Results Data from 971 patients, whose Richmond Agitation–Sedation Scale score at admission was zero and who died in palliative care units, were analyzed. The average age was 72 years, common primary cancer sites were the gastrointestinal tract (31%) and the liver/biliary ducts/pancreas (19%). A total of 174 patients (18%: 95% confidence interval, 16–20) expressed DHD. Common reasons for DHD were dependency (45%), burden to others (28%), meaninglessness (24%), and inability to engage in pleasant activities (24%). We identified five clusters of patients with DHD: cluster 1 (35%, 61/173): “physical distress,” cluster 2 (21%, 37/173): “dependent and burdensome,” cluster 3 (19%, 33/173): “hopelessness,” cluster 4 (17%, 30/173): “profound fatigue,” and cluster 5 (7%, 12/173): “extensive existential suffering.” Conclusions A considerable number of patients expressed DHD and could be categorized into five subgroups. These findings may contribute to the development of therapeutic strategies.

Verbalized desire for death or euthanasia in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care

2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ernest Güell ◽  
Adelaida Ramos ◽  
Tania Zertuche ◽  
Antonio Pascual
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients ◽  
Terminally Ill Cancer Patients ◽  
Symptom Intensity ◽  
Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale ◽  
Desire To Die

AbstractObjective:We aimed to address the prevalence of desire-to-die statements (DDSs) among terminally ill cancer patients in an acute palliative care unit. We also intended to compare the underlying differences between those patients who make desire-to-die comments (DDCs) and those who make desire-for-euthanasia comments (EUCs).Method:We conducted a one-year cross-sectional prospective study in all patients receiving palliative care who had made a DDC or EUC. At inclusion, we evaluated symptom intensity, anxiety and depression, and conducted a semistructured interview regarding the reasons for these comments.Results:Of the 701 patients attended to during the study period, 69 (9.8%; IC95% 7.7–12.3) made a DDS: 51 (7.3%) a DDC, and 18 (2.5%) an EUC. Using Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) DDC group showed higher percentage of moderate-severe symptoms (ESAS > 4) for well-being (91 vs. 25%; p = 0.001), depression (67 vs. 25%; p = 0.055), and anxiety (52 vs. 13%; p = 0.060) than EUC group. EUC patients also considered themselves less spiritual (44 vs. 84%; p = 0.034). The single most common reason for a DDS was pain or physical suffering, though most of the reasons given were nonphysical.Significance of results:Almost 10% of the population receiving specific oncological palliative care made a DDC (7.3%) or EUC (2.5%). The worst well-being score was lower in the EUC group. The reasons for both a DDC and EUC were mainly nonphysical. We find that emotional and spiritual issues should be identified and effectively addressed when responding to a DDS in terminally ill cancer patients.

Attitudes of Terminally Ill Cancer Patients About Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: Predominance of Psychosocial Determinants and Beliefs Over Symptom Distress and Subsequent Survival

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 2134-2141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria E. Suarez-Almazor ◽  
Catherine Newman ◽  
John Hanson ◽  
Eduardo Bruera
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Assisted Suicide ◽  
Religious Beliefs ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Shortness Of Breath ◽  
Terminally Ill Cancer Patients ◽  
Symptom Intensity ◽  
Loss Of Appetite ◽  
Symptomatic Distress

PURPOSE: Although euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (PAS) are controversial issues, the views of those most affected, terminal patients, are seldom explored. Our objective was to assess whether the attitudes about euthanasia/PAS of terminally ill cancer patients were determined by their symptomatic distress. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a survey of 100 patients with terminal cancer. Statements related to the legalization of euthanasia/PAS were scored using Likert scales. We also asked patients how often they had considered ending their lives. Their responses were analyzed in relation to disease characteristics, including an assessment of symptomatic severity, sociodemographic features, general beliefs about the suffering of cancer patients, and survival. RESULTS: Most patients (69%) supported euthanasia or PAS for one or more situations. The association between these attitudes and symptoms was weak, consistent in univariate analysis only for shortness of breath. No significant associations were observed with pain, nausea, well-being, loss of appetite, depression, or subsequent survival. Agreement with euthanasia was significantly related to male sex, lack of religious beliefs, and general beliefs about the suffering of cancer patients and their families. In multivariate analysis, the only characteristics that remained statistically associated with support were the strength of religious beliefs and the perception that patients with cancer are a heavy burden on their families. Frequency of suicidal ideation was associated with poor well-being, depression, anxiety, and shortness of breath, but not with other somatic symptoms such as pain, nausea, and loss of appetite. CONCLUSION: Symptom intensity had limited impact on the attitudes about euthanasia of terminally ill cancer patients. Our findings suggest that patient views are primarily determined by psychosocial traits and beliefs, as opposed to disease severity or symptomatic distress.

Pain and Desire for Hastened Death in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients

2005 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 318???324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyriaki Mystakidou ◽  
Efi Parpa ◽  
Emmanuela Katsouda ◽  
Antonis Galanos ◽  
Lambros Vlahos
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Terminally Ill Cancer Patients ◽  
Hastened Death

The Influence of Previous Personality on Reactions to Having Terminal Cancer

1975 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Hinton
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Emotional Disturbance ◽  
Terminal Illness ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Terminal Cancer ◽  
Terminally Ill Cancer Patients ◽  
Senior Nurse ◽  
State Of Mind

This study of 60 married, terminally-ill cancer patients, 22 males and 38 females inquired into associations between the descriptions of each patient's personality and state of mind before and during his/her last illness. Previous information concerning character, marriage, and religious traits was obtained through interviews with the patient's spouse. Information about the patient's feelings and reactions during the illness came from interviews with the patient, spouse, and senior nurse. The results deviate from some pre-conceived beliefs. For instance, less stable people did not show appreciably more emotional disturbance during their terminal illness. While the techniques of group investigations have limitations in their application to any particular individual, they do uncover information which is valuable in understanding the emotional state of the terminally ill.

scholarly journals Discussing the Effect of Medical Team Method in the Hospice Palliative Care to Terminal Cancer Patient

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia Hsing Wu
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Terminally Ill ◽  
Care Program ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Terminal Cancer ◽  
Medical Team ◽  
Terminally Ill Cancer Patients ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Hospice Palliative Care

One of the main purposes of the hospice-palliative care program is to provide a hospice for the terminally ill cancer patients. Weisman assumed that a hospice should consist of five aspects which include Awareness of the end of life, Acceptance, Proprietary, Timing and Comfort. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to explore firstly the condition of the terminal cancer patients in the hospice. Secondly to Investigate the effect of Medical team work method and finally to compare the relationship between the hospice score and service result [1]. Materials Go to This study involved subjects from those from the terminally ill cancer patients who passed away in the hospice palliative care unit at medical Centre during 2012-2013. There were a total of 292 patients considered for the study. Thirty patients were excluded from the study because there was data missing from their file. The remaining 262 patients information was collected on 157males (53.8%) and 105 females (36%).

Attitudes of health care professionals, relatives of advanced cancer patients and public towards euthanasia and physician assisted suicide

Health Policy ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 97 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 160-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
Efi Parpa ◽  
Kyriaki Mystakidou ◽  
Eleni Tsilika ◽  
Pavlos Sakkas ◽  
Elisabeth Patiraki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Advanced Cancer ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Assisted Suicide ◽  
Physician Assisted Suicide ◽  
Advanced Cancer Patients
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