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Nursing students' attitudes regarding euthanasia due to unbearable mental suffering: Cross-sectional study using the
Dennis Demedts1,2, Wilfried Cools3, Maaike Fobelets2,3,4
1Research Group Mental Health and Wellbeing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium.
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|December 19, 2022
Summary
Most final-year nursing students support euthanasia for unbearable mental suffering. Preparing students for this complex issue is crucial for adequate patient care. This study surveyed 273 students on their attitudes.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Nursing Education
- End-of-Life Care
Background:
- Euthanasia is a complex end-of-life issue, particularly concerning unbearable mental suffering.
- Nursing students may encounter euthanasia requests during their careers, necessitating adequate preparation.
- Limited research exists on nursing students' attitudes towards euthanasia for mental suffering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore final-year nursing students' attitudes towards euthanasia for unbearable mental suffering.
- To assess the psychometric properties of the adapted and validated Euthanasia Attitude Scale (EAS).
- To identify factors influencing nursing students' attitudes towards euthanasia.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 273 final-year baccalaureate nursing students.
- An e-mail survey was administered between October 2020 and March 2021.
- The Euthanasia Attitude Scale (EAS) was used, with its reliability and validity assessed.
Main Results:
- The Euthanasia Attitude Scale demonstrated good reliability (McDonald's omega = 0.838).
- A statistically significant difference in 'Naturalistic beliefs' was found based on the year of birth.
- Clinically significant differences in attitudes were observed between students who had been involved in euthanasia and those who had not.
Conclusions:
- A majority of final-year nursing students support patient access to euthanasia for unbearable mental suffering.
- Adequate preparation for nursing students regarding euthanasia is essential for monitoring and providing care.
- High acceptability of euthanasia for mental suffering was noted among students, with prior involvement in euthanasia cases influencing attitudes.
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