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Rahimian Z, Rahimian L, Lopez‐Castroman J, Ostovarfar J, Fallahi MJ, Nayeri MA, Vardanjani HM. What medical conditions lead to a request for euthanasia? A rapid scoping review. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1978. [PMID: 38515545 PMCID: PMC10955044 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Euthanasia is a controversial issue related to the right to die. Although euthanasia is mostly requested by terminally sick individuals, even in societies where it is legal, it is unclear what medical conditions lead to euthanasia requests. In this scoping review, we aimed to compile medical conditions for which euthanasia has been requested or performed around the world. Methods The review was preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Retrieved search results were screened and unrelated documents were excluded. Data on reasons for conducting or requesting euthanasia along with the study type, setting, and publication year were extracted from documents. Human development index and euthanasia legality were also extracted. Major medical fields were used to categorize reported reasons. Group discussions were conducted if needed for this categorization. An electronic search was undertaken in MEDLINE through PubMed for published documents covering the years January 2000 to September 2022. Results Out of 3323 records, a total of 197 papers were included. The most common medical conditions in euthanasia requests are cancer in a terminal phase (45.4%), Alzheimer's disease and dementia (19.8%), constant unbearable physical or mental suffering (19.8%), treatment-resistant mood disorders (12.2%), and advanced cardiovascular disorders (12.2%). Conclusion Reasons for euthanasia are mostly linked to chronic or terminal physical conditions. Psychiatric disorders also lead to a substantial proportion of euthanasia requests. This review can help to identify the features shared by conditions that lead to performing or requesting euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rahimian
- Student Research CommitteeShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- MD‐MPH Department, School of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Leila Rahimian
- School of DentistryShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Jorge Lopez‐Castroman
- Department of Psychiatry, CHU Nîmes & IGFCNRS‐INSERMUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CIBERSAMMadridSpain
| | - Jeyran Ostovarfar
- MD‐MPH Department, School of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Mohammad J. Fallahi
- Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Research CenterShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Mohammad A. Nayeri
- Student Research CommitteeShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- MD‐MPH Department, School of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Hossein M. Vardanjani
- MD‐MPH Department, School of Medicine, Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
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Perron C, Bouthillier ME, Racine E. Support structures for healthcare professionals involved in medical assistance in dying: Quebec, Canada, and the international landscape. Healthc Manage Forum 2023; 36:142-148. [PMID: 36454719 DOI: 10.1177/08404704221136847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
When the Act Respecting End-of-Life Care came into effect in Quebec in 2015, nearly 30 Interdisciplinary Support Groups (ISGs) were formed to accompany practitioners and managers in the clinical, administrative, legal, and ethical practice of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Today, significant variability is observed in the constitution, role and functioning of ISGs. Based on an overview of national and international support structures, we highlight the strengths and challenges of ISGs. This article presents the results of the first phase of research conducted with 245 people involved in the practice of MAiD in Quebec. The objective is to survey current ISG practices in order to contrast them with those of equivalent structures in Canada and around the world. The intention is to guide leaders in the development of support structures for their institutions. In summary, ISGs are distinguished by their interdisciplinary constitution, their decentralized nature, and their proximity to the teams in the field. However, their service offer remains largely unknown to caregivers and the general population. This can be explained by the undefined and unlimited nature of their mandate, but also by the gap between the scope of their mandate and the lack of funding they receive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Perron
- Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Eve Bouthillier
- Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Racine
- Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Byrnes E, Ross AI, Murphy M. A Systematic Review of Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Assisted Dying: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of Professionals' Perspectives. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2022:302228221116697. [PMID: 35929771 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221116697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Assisted dying is a divisive topic and draws both lamenting and approving commentary from political, medical, legal, and philosophical domains. This systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis aims to identify the factors that healthcare professionals experience when working within assisted dying frameworks. PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed. Search results yielded 15,426 papers with 39 papers meeting inclusion criteria for this review. Remaining papers were subjected to critical appraisal and a thematic synthesis. Eight themes fell under the domain of 'barrier' and represented different personal and professional factors that hinder professionals from delivering assisted dying healthcare. Five themes came under the domain of 'facilitators' and represent factors that contribute to the smooth implementation and delivery of assisted dying services. Health professionals experience a range of factors that both impede and propel delivery of assisted dying frameworks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Byrnes
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Clare, Ireland
- Cork Mental Health Services, Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare, Health Service Executive, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alasdair Iain Ross
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Clare, Ireland
- Cork Mental Health Services, Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare, Health Service Executive, Cork, Ireland
| | - Mike Murphy
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Clare, Ireland
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Rietjens JA, Heijltjes MT, van Delden JJ, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, van der Heide A. The Rising Frequency of Continuous Deep Sedation in the Netherlands, a Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey in 2005, 2010, and 2015. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2019; 20:1367-1372. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2019.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Roest B, Trappenburg M, Leget C. The involvement of family in the Dutch practice of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide: a systematic mixed studies review. BMC Med Ethics 2019; 20:23. [PMID: 30953490 PMCID: PMC6451224 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-019-0361-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family members do not have an official position in the practice of euthanasia and physician assisted suicide (EAS) in the Netherlands according to statutory regulations and related guidelines. However, recent empirical findings on the influence of family members on EAS decision-making raise practical and ethical questions. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore how family members are involved in the Dutch practice of EAS according to empirical research, and to map out themes that could serve as a starting point for further empirical and ethical inquiry. METHODS A systematic mixed studies review was performed. The databases Pubmed, Embase, PsycInfo, and Emcare were searched to identify empirical studies describing any aspect of the involvement of family members before, during and after EAS in the Netherlands from 1980 till 2018. Thematic analysis was chosen as method to synthesize the quantitative and qualitative studies. RESULTS Sixty-six studies were identified. Only 14 studies had family members themselves as study participants. Four themes emerged from the thematic analysis. 1) Family-related reasons (not) to request EAS. 2) Roles and responsibilities of family members during EAS decision-making and performance. 3) Families' experiences and grief after EAS. 4) Family and 'the good euthanasia death' according to Dutch physicians. CONCLUSION Family members seem to be active participants in EAS decision-making, which goes hand in hand with ambivalent feelings and experiences. Considerations about family members and the social context appear to be very important for patients and physicians when they request or grant a request for EAS. Although further empirical research is needed to assess the depth and generalizability of the results, this review provides a new perspective on EAS decision-making and challenges the Dutch ethical-legal framework of EAS. Euthanasia decision-making is typically framed in the patient-physician dyad, while a patient-physician-family triad seems more appropriate to describe what happens in clinical practice. This perspective raises questions about the interpretation of autonomy, the origins of suffering underlying requests for EAS, and the responsibilities of physicians during EAS decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Roest
- University of Humanistic Studies, Kromme Nieuwegracht 29, 3512HD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Margo Trappenburg
- University of Humanistic Studies, Kromme Nieuwegracht 29, 3512HD Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Leget
- University of Humanistic Studies, Kromme Nieuwegracht 29, 3512HD Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Mitchell GK, Senior HE, Johnson CE, Fallon-Ferguson J, Williams B, Monterosso L, Rhee JJ, McVey P, Grant MP, Aubin M, Nwachukwu HTG, Yates PM. Systematic review of general practice end-of-life symptom control. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2018; 8:411-420. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundEnd of life care (EoLC) is a fundamental role of general practice, which will become more important as the population ages. It is essential that general practice’s role and performance of at the end of life is understood in order to maximise the skills of the entire workforce.ObjectiveTo provide a comprehensive description of the role and performance of general practitioners (GPs) and general practice nurses (GPNs) in EoLC symptom control.MethodSystematic literature review of papers from 2000 to 2017 were sought from Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute and Cochrane databases.ResultsFrom 6209 journal articles, 46 papers reported GP performance in symptom management. There was no reference to the performance of GPNs in any paper identified. Most GPs expressed confidence in identifying EoLC symptoms. However, they reported lack of confidence in providing EoLC at the beginning of their careers, and improvements with time in practice. They perceived emotional support as being the most important aspect of EoLC that they provide, but there were barriers to its provision. GPs felt most comfortable treating pain, and least confident with dyspnoea and depression. Observed pain management was sometimes not optimal. More formal training, particularly in the use of opioids was considered important to improve management of both pain and dyspnoea.ConclusionsIt is essential that GPs receive regular education and training, and exposure to EoLC from an early stage in their careers to ensure skill and confidence. Research into the role of GPNs in symptom control needs to occur.
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Capurro D, Ganzinger M, Perez-Lu J, Knaup P. Effectiveness of eHealth interventions and information needs in palliative care: a systematic literature review. J Med Internet Res 2014; 16:e72. [PMID: 24610324 PMCID: PMC3961802 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the key components in palliative care is communication. eHealth technologies can be an effective way to support communications among participants in the process of palliative care. However, it is unclear to what extent information technology has been established in this field. Objective Our goal was to systematically identify studies and analyze the effectiveness of eHealth interventions in palliative care and the information needs of people involved in the palliative care process. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, and LILACS according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We collected and analyzed quantitative and qualitative data regarding effectiveness of eHealth interventions and users’ information needs in palliative care. Results Our search returned a total of 240 articles, 17 of which met our inclusion criteria. We found no randomized controlled trial studying the effects of eHealth interventions in palliative care. Studies tended to be observational, noncontrolled studies, and a few quasi-experimental studies. Overall there was great heterogeneity in the types of interventions and outcome assessments; some studies reported some improvement on quality of care, documentation effort, cost, and communications. The most frequently reported information need concerned pain management. Conclusions There is limited evidence around the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for palliative care patients, caregivers, and health care professionals. Focused research on information needs and high-quality clinical trials to assess their effectiveness are needed.
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Consultation with specialist palliative care services in palliative sedation: considerations of Dutch physicians. Support Care Cancer 2013; 22:225-31. [PMID: 24037413 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-013-1972-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Palliative sedation is considered a normal medical practice by the Royal Dutch Medical Association. Therefore, consultation of an expert is not considered mandatory. The European Association of Palliative Care (EAPC) framework for palliative sedation, however, is more stringent: it considers the use of palliative sedation without consulting an expert as injudicious and insists on input from a multi-professional palliative care team. This study investigates the considerations of Dutch physicians concerning consultation about palliative sedation with specialist palliative care services. METHODS Fifty-four physicians were interviewed on their most recent case of palliative sedation. RESULTS Reasons to consult were a lack of expertise and the view that consultation was generally supportive. Reasons not to consult were sufficient expertise, the view that palliative sedation is a normal medical procedure, time pressure, fear of disagreement with the service and regarding consultation as having little added value. Arguments in favour of mandatory consultation were that many physicians lack expertise and that palliative sedation is an exceptional intervention. Arguments against mandatory consultation were practical obstacles that may preclude fulfilling such an obligation (i.e. lack of time), palliative sedation being a standard medical procedure, corroding a physician's responsibility and deterring physicians from applying palliative sedation. CONCLUSION Consultation about palliative sedation with specialist palliative care services is regarded as supportive and helpful when physicians lack expertise. However, Dutch physicians have both practical and theoretical objections against mandatory consultation. Based on the findings in this study, there seems to be little support among Dutch physicians for the EAPC recommendations on obligatory consultation.
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Blanker MH, Koerhuis-Roessink M, Swart SJ, Zuurmond WWA, van der Heide A, Perez RSGM, Rietjens JAC. Pressure during decision making of continuous sedation in end-of-life situations in Dutch general practice. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2012; 13:68. [PMID: 22759834 PMCID: PMC3515404 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-13-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Little is known about pressure from patients or relatives on physician’s decision making of continuous palliative sedation. We aim to describe experienced pressure by general practitioners (GPs) in cases of continuous sedation after the introduction of the Dutch practice guideline, using a questionnaire survey. Methods A sample of 918 Dutch GPs were invited to fill out a questionnaire about their last patient under continuous sedation. Cases in which GPs experienced pressure from the patient, relatives or other persons were compared to those without pressure. Results 399 of 918 invite GPs (43%) returned the questionnaire and 250 provided detailed information about their most recent case of continuous sedation. Forty-one GPs (16%) indicated to have experienced pressure from the patient, relatives or colleagues. In GPs younger than 50, guideline knowledge was not related to experienced pressure, whereas in older GPs, 15% with and 36% without guideline knowledge reported pressure. GPs experienced pressure more often when patients had psychological symptoms (compared to physical symptoms only) and when patients had a longer estimated life expectancy. A euthanasia request of the patient coincided with a higher prevalence of pressure for GPs without, but not for GPs with previous experience with euthanasia. GPs who experienced pressure had consulted a palliative consultation team more often than GPs who did not experience pressure. Conclusion One in six GPs felt pressure from patients or relatives to start sedation. This pressure was related to guideline knowledge, especially in older GPs, longer life expectancy and the presence of a euthanasia request, especially for GPs without previous experience of euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco H Blanker
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of General Practice, the Netherlands.
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care 2010; 4:207-27. [DOI: 10.1097/spc.0b013e32833e8160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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