Nurses' attitudes to active voluntary euthanasia: a survey in the ACT

Area of Science:

• Medical Ethics
• Nursing Practice
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Public opinion in Australia largely favors active voluntary euthanasia (AVE).
• Limited public experience with end-of-life care necessitates understanding healthcare professionals' views.
• The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has a history of significant public discourse on euthanasia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey the opinions of registered nurses in the ACT regarding active voluntary euthanasia (AVE).
• To compare nurses' attitudes towards AVE with those of the general public and medical practitioners.
• To assess nurses' willingness to be involved in AVE procedures if legalized.

Main Methods:

• A postal survey was conducted in late 1996 among 2,000 randomly selected registered nurses in the ACT.
• The questionnaire included questions on support for AVE and willingness to participate in procedures.
• A response rate of 61% (1218 nurses) was achieved.

Main Results:

• A majority of surveyed nurses supported AVE (homicide by request: 72%; physician-assisted suicide: 71%) and believed laws should permit it (69% and 67%, respectively).
• 66% of nurses were willing to be involved in AVE procedures if legalized.
• Fewer nurses were willing to directly administer lethal doses (14%) compared to assisting patients (30%).

Conclusions:

• Nurses in the ACT show significant support for active voluntary euthanasia (AVE), though generally less than the public.
• Nurses' willingness to participate in AVE varies by the level of direct involvement.
• Findings suggest nurses' views on AVE fall between those of the general public and medical practitioners.