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Psychiatry trainees' attitudes towards euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide
M-I Kontaxaki1,2, K Paplos3, M Dasopoulou4
11st Department of Psychiatry, University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, Athens.
Psychiatrike = Psychiatriki
|May 14, 2018
Summary
Greek psychiatry trainees showed more reluctance towards euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide compared to other medical trainees. This highlights a need for specialized education on end-of-life decisions for future physicians.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- End-of-Life Care
- Physician Attitudes
Background:
- Euthanasia (EUT) and Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS) are complex ethical issues in medicine.
- Understanding physician trainees' perspectives is crucial for future end-of-life decision-making.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare attitudes towards EUT and PAS among Greek psychiatry trainees (PT) and other medical trainees (OMT).
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted among 120 PT and 154 OMT in Greece.
- Attitudes towards EUT and PAS were assessed and compared between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Most trainees supported EUT and PAS under certain conditions.
- PT were significantly more likely to refuse permission for hastening death, whether requested by the patient or family, compared to OMT.
- OMT showed greater acceptance of EUT and PAS for terminally ill patients with low quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in end-of-life decision-making attitudes between PT and OMT.
- There is a need for targeted education for PT regarding end-of-life care and ethical considerations.
- Educators must understand trainees' views to prepare future physicians for these critical decisions.
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