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Nurses' views on their involvement in euthanasia: a qualitative study in Flanders (Belgium)
B Dierckx de Casterlé1, C Verpoort, N De Bal
1Centre for Health Services and Nursing Research, Faculty of Medicine, Catholic University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35/4, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. Bernadette.dierckxdecasterle@med.kuleuven.be
Journal of Medical Ethics
|April 1, 2006
Summary
Palliative care nurses see a crucial role in euthanasia care, from initial requests to post-act support. Their involvement emphasizes open-mindedness and palliative techniques, even when assisting with the final act.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care Nursing
- Bioethics
- End-of-Life Care
Background:
- Nurses globally encounter patient requests for euthanasia.
- Understanding palliative care nurses' perspectives on euthanasia involvement is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore palliative care nurses' views on their comprehensive involvement in euthanasia care.
- To understand the scope of nursing roles in the euthanasia process.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study utilizing a Grounded Theory approach.
- Semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 palliative care nurses in Belgium.
- Study conducted in anticipation of new Belgian euthanasia legislation.
Main Results:
- Nurses unanimously affirmed a significant role in euthanasia care, extending beyond physician assistance.
- Involvement spans from patient request to post-euthanasia support for families and colleagues.
- Nurses highlighted the importance of open-mindedness, palliative techniques, and contextual understanding in patient care.
- While assisting in the act of euthanasia, nurses primarily focused on supporting the patient, family, and physician.
Conclusions:
- Palliative care nurses are vital members of interdisciplinary teams for euthanasia care.
- Their professional expertise and patient relationships position them to offer significant support.
- Nurses play a key role in providing valuable care throughout the euthanasia process.