Ethics Governance
Ethics & Governance - Resources and Articles |
| Articles indexes: a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | w | x | y | z | other | |
|
|
| Article - Abstract. To view full article click on the article title. | |
eMJA: Haverkate et al, The emotional impact on physicians of hastening the death of a patient The emotional impact on physicians of hastening the death of a patient Ilinka Haverkate, Agnes van der Heide, Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen, Paul J van der Maas and Gerrit van der Wal MJA 2001; 175: 519-522 For commentaries, see Kelly and Ryan. To investigate the emotional feelings reported by physicians in the Netherlands after having performed euthanasia or other medical end-of-life decisions. Design: Nationwide interview study in the Netherlands, November 1995 through February 1996. Participants and setting: A random sample of 405 physicians (general practitioners, nursing home physicians, and clinical specialists). Main outcome measures: Subsequent feelings of physicians about their most recent cases (if any) of euthanasia, assisted suicide, life-ending without an explicit request from the patient, and alleviation of pain and other symptoms with high doses of opioids. Results: The response rate was 89%. In 52% of all cases of hastening death, physicians had feelings of comfort afterwards, which included feelings of satisfaction in 44% and of relief in 13%. Feelings of discomfort were reported in 42%, most frequently referred to as emotional (28%) or burdensome (25%). Feelings of discomfort were highest for euthanasia (75%; P < 0.000). 95% of physicians were willing to perform euthanasia or assisted suicide again in similar situations. Afterwards, 5% had doubts, but none had regrets, about performing euthanasia. Conclusions: Hastening the death of a patient evokes different feelings among physicians. Full Article: http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/175_10_191101/haverkate/haverkate.html |
|
2006 Ethics-Governance.com |
|||