Final destination - pharmacists' perspectives on assisted suicide (the PAS-study): a cross-sectional convergent...

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Pharmaceutical Practice
• End-of-Life Care

Background:

• Assisted suicide is debated globally for enabling dignified end-of-life choices for terminally ill patients.
• Pharmacists play a crucial role, often being the final healthcare professional to interact with patients.
• This study investigates Austrian pharmacists' perspectives on assisted suicide, identifying challenges and improvement strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Austrian pharmacists' attitudes and experiences with assisted suicide.
• To identify barriers and facilitators influencing pharmacist participation in assisted suicide.
• To develop strategies for enhancing support and communication in end-of-life care.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional convergent parallel mixed-methods study design was employed.
• Quantitative data collected via digital surveys from 324 pharmacists (5.11% response rate).
• Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews (n=5) with pharmacists experienced in dispensing lethal drugs, analyzed using Mayring's content analysis.

Main Results:

• Over half of enrolled pharmacists (52.8%) dispensed lethal drugs, viewing it as a responsibility.
• Non-enrolled pharmacists (42%) opposed participation due to safety and mental burden concerns.
• Emotional strain was evident for both patients and pharmacists; older pharmacists felt more prepared.

Conclusions:

• Identified critical areas for improving end-of-life care and pharmacist involvement in assisted suicide.
• Proposed frameworks to support pharmacists in assisting patients and facilitate self-reflection.
• Emphasized the need for improved communication and support systems for pharmacists involved in assisted suicide.