scholarly journals Attitudes Toward End-Of-Life Decisions Other Than Assisted Death Amongst Doctors in Northern Portugal

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
José António Ferraz Gonçalves
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Progressive Disease ◽  
Treatment Withdrawal ◽  
Assisted Death ◽  
End Of Life Decisions ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
End Of Life Issues ◽  
Withdrawal Of Support ◽  
Lethal Doses

Abstract Background Doctors often deal with end-of-life issues other than assisted death, such as incompetent patients and treatment withdrawal, including food and fluids. Methods A link to a questionnaire was sent by email three times, at intervals of one week, to the doctors registered in the Northern Section of the Portuguese Medical Association. Results The questionnaire was returned by 1148 (9%) physicians. This study shows that only a minority of Portuguese doctors were willing to give one or more drugs in lethal doses to cognitively incompetent patients with an incurable, advanced, and progressive disease at the request of a family member or other close person, and even less would do it on their own initiative. Concerning the withdrawal of support of life measures in advanced and progressive diseases at the patient’s request, most doctors were in favor, but much fewer doctors agreed with the suspension of supportive life measures at the request of a family member, another close person, or by their own unilateral decision. However, concerning the suspension of food and fluids, fewer agreed with that action. Portuguese doctors favor the administration of drugs for suffering control, even foreseeing they could shorten life, Conclusion Most doctors in this study respect patients’ autonomy, but do not agree with measures decided by others that have an impact on patients’ survival. They also agree with the administration of drugs for suffering control, even considering the possibility of shortening life.

Approaches for end-of-life care in the field of gynecologic oncology: an exploratory study

2004 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 580-588 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Ramondetta ◽  
G. Tortolero-Luna ◽  
D. C. Bodurka ◽  
D. Sills ◽  
K. Basen-Engquist ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Gynecologic Oncology ◽  
Life Choices ◽  
End Of Life Decisions ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
End Of Life Issues ◽  
Informed Patient ◽  
Christian Denomination

We sought to explore the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) members' opinions and decisions about end-of-life issues and incurable conditions. A survey was mailed to members of the SGO. Their responses were recorded on a Likert scale and entered into a database. The survey explored opinions, experiences, and decisions in managing terminally ill gynecologic oncology patients. Of 900 surveys, 327 were returned (response rate, 36%). Seventy-three percent were men, 89% were white, and 72% were of Christian denomination. Respondents believed that 97% of patients who are dying realize that they are dying but stated only 40% of these patients initiate conversations about end-of-life issues. In contrast, 92% of respondents stated that they initiate end-of-life discussions with patients. Ninety-two percent of respondents thought that the patients should be allowed to make end-of-life choices independently after the facts are given to them. However, 44% thought that it is important to influence the way information is presented, and 54% believe that the gynecologic oncologist (GO) controls the outcome of end-of-life discussions. Although the physicians' sex, race, religion, and age did not correlate with their treatment decisions, religion did correlate with less fear of death (P = 0.011) and less discomfort when talking with patients about death (P = 0.005). Fifty-four percent of respondents believed that the GO controls the outcome of end-of-life discussions, and 40% believe that their actions prolong the process of dying. Expanding our understanding of what motivates GOs to recommend continued treatment over palliation is important for preserving informed patient-motivated end-of-life decisions.

Incorporating End-of-Life Issues into Psychology Courses

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
James L. Werth
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Assisted Suicide ◽  
Professional Issues ◽  
Graduate Courses ◽  
American Psychological ◽  
End Of Life Decisions ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Psychology Courses ◽  
Key Issues ◽  
End Of Life Issues

The American Psychological Association's Working Group on Assisted Suicide and End-of-Life Decisions (2000) recently called for the development of resources to assist training programs in incorporating end-of-life issues into undergraduate and graduate courses. After explaining why teaching about the dying process is relevant to psychology, I provide suggestions for how instructors can include end-of-life issues and decisions in courses on ethical, legal, and professional issues; adult and life span development; counseling diverse populations; and assessment and diagnosis. Each section contains a brief review of key issues, provides sample discussion questions, and highlights appropriate references.

Systemic Factors Impacting Mortality and End-of-Life Issues in Critical Care

2021 ◽  
pp. 295-312
Author(s):  
Leo C. Mercer ◽  
Valerie Canary ◽  
Michelle Maxson
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Interdisciplinary Teams ◽  
Life Planning ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
End Of Life Planning ◽  
Systemic Factors ◽  
End Of Life Issues ◽  
Withdrawal Of Support

This chapter reviews issues related to mortality in the intensive care setting. Relevant literature is summarized and emphasizes the common need patients have for more frequent assessment, dependency on technology support, and psychosocial intervention. The authors stress the importance of interdisciplinary teams and the unique staffing and workforce challenges they encounter. Despite agreement on its importance, the authors maintain that end-of-life care is associated with a lack of consensus around its implementation at the bedside. The diversity within patient groups, diseases and conditions, and health care providers results in an environment in which the interplay of a growing number of variables influences the engagement of patients and families in discussions about end-of-life planning and care, futility, palliation, or withdrawal of support.

Factors Affecting California College Students’ Attitudes Toward Assisted Dying

2019 ◽  
pp. 003022281982931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen B. Miltiades
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Family Member ◽  
Assisted Dying ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Life Threatening Illness ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Students Attitudes ◽  
End Of Life Issues

This study focuses on college students’ experiences and beliefs, which affect attitudes toward assisted dying. Of 324 students, 35% wanted the option of assisted dying for a family member with a life-threatening illness. Results of multiple logistic regression indicate students who favored assisted dying were significantly influenced by having a family member die, experiencing hospitalization, thinking about end-of-life issues, and being comfortable with palliative care. Belief in an afterlife and being a caregiver were negatively associated with assisted dying. Students need to receive training in end-of-life care issues, as increasingly professionals will face such requests.

scholarly journals The Concept of Dignity and Its Use in End-of-Life Debates in England and France

2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 404-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
RUTH HORN ◽  
ANGELIKI KERASIDOU
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Intrinsic Value ◽  
Individual Autonomy ◽  
End Of Life Decisions ◽  
Vulnerable Patients ◽  
Public Debates ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
Life Sustaining Treatment ◽  
The Difference ◽  
End Of Life Issues

Abstract:Dignity is one of the most controversial and yet commonly used terms in debates regarding end-of-life issues. The term “dignity” can take various meanings. For example, it can be used to denote the respect owed to an individual person, or to signify the intrinsic value of humankind as a whole. These two different understandings of dignity inevitably lead to different approaches to end-of-life decisionmaking.This article explores the meaning of the term “dignity” in two European countries, England and France. Our analysis compares public debates and legislation on end-of-life-related issues in these two countries. We argue that in England dignity is most commonly understood as respect for individual autonomy, whereas in France dignity usually signifies respect for humanity as a whole. We demonstrate that the difference in the conceptualization of the term leads to different ethical, and hence legal and practical, approaches to end-of-life issues and vulnerable patients. Our particular focus is on (1) withdrawing/withholding life-sustaining treatment, (2) respect for patient preferences, and (3) assistance in dying.Given the difference in the understanding of dignity, and the underlying philosophical approaches, it appears that there is still a long way to go before we can establish common guidelines on end-of-life decisions across Europe and beyond. However, clarifying the use of the term “dignity” in different discussions around Europe could hopefully facilitate this endeavor.

End-of-Life Issues for People Who Use AAC

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 15-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Fried-Oken ◽  
Lisa Bardach
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
End Of Life Issues
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