Related Experiment Videos
Voluntary euthanasia and the nurse: an Australian survey
1Monash University, Centre for Human Bioethics, Clayton, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
International Journal of Nursing Studies
|August 1, 1993
Summary
A majority of Victorian nurses support legalizing voluntary euthanasia, with many willing to participate. The survey reveals significant support for changing laws to allow medical professionals to assist in patient deaths.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Nursing Practice
- Palliative Care
Background:
- Patient autonomy and end-of-life care decisions are increasingly important.
- Nurses play a critical role in providing care for terminally ill patients.
- Understanding nurses' perspectives on assisted dying is crucial for policy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the attitudes and practices of nurses in Victoria regarding requests for assistance in dying.
- To assess nurses' support for active voluntary euthanasia and legal reform.
- To determine nurses' willingness to participate in assisted dying if legalized.
Main Methods:
- A random survey of 1942 nurses in Victoria.
- 1942 questionnaires were distributed, with 943 (49%) returned.
- Data collected on nurses' views and practices concerning patient requests for help in dying.
Main Results:
- A clear majority of responding nurses support active voluntary euthanasia.
- Many nurses have participated in providing active voluntary euthanasia, some without consulting a doctor.
- 78% of nurses believe the law should permit doctors to actively end a patient's life in certain circumstances.
- 65% of nurses would collaborate in providing active voluntary euthanasia if it were legal.
Conclusions:
- Victorian nurses show strong support for legalizing and participating in active voluntary euthanasia.
- Current nursing practices may exceed legal boundaries regarding end-of-life assistance.
- There is a significant demand among nurses for legal reform to accommodate patient end-of-life choices.