Related Experiment Videos
Pharmacists' attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Pharmacists hold varied views on physician-assisted suicide (PAS). While many believe patients may want to end life, fewer support physicians actively helping, with personal factors influencing opinions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Pharmacy Practice
- End-of-Life Care
Background:
- Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) is a complex ethical issue with significant implications for healthcare professionals.
- Understanding the perspectives of pharmacists is crucial given their role in medication management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the attitudes of licensed pharmacists in the United States toward physician-assisted suicide.
- To identify factors influencing pharmacists' opinions on PAS.
Main Methods:
- A national random sample of 1050 licensed pharmacists received a survey.
- The survey included questions on demographics, religious conviction, and specific opinions on PAS.
- 534 completed questionnaires were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 72.6% believed patients are justified in wanting to end life; 48.6% believed physicians should actively help.
- 70.9% of those supporting PAS saw it as an appropriate use of prescription drugs.
- Younger pharmacists and those with strong religious convictions showed more negative attitudes toward PAS.
- Only 34.3% would knowingly participate in PAS, though 53.8% wanted to know if a dispensed prescription was for PAS.
Conclusions:
- Pharmacists' attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide are diverse and influenced by personal experiences, religious conviction, and age.
- There is a notable gap between acknowledging a patient's right to die and actively participating in physician-assisted suicide.
- Pharmacists express ethical concerns regarding involvement in PAS without their knowledge or consent.