Nurses' attitudes to euthanasia: the influence of empirical studies and methodological concerns on nursing practice

Abstract

This paper introduces the controversy surrounding active voluntary euthanasia and describes the legal position on euthanasia and assisted suicide in the UK. Findings from studies of the nurses' attitudes to euthanasia from the national and international literature are reviewed. There are acknowledged difficulties in carrying out research into attitudes to euthanasia and hence the review of findings from the published studies is followed by a methodological review. This methodological review examines the research design and data collection methods used in the published studies, problems with understanding definitions of euthanasia and the measurement of attitudes. The paper concludes with a discussion of how research in this area may influence nursing practice.

Multifaceted Nature of Euthanasia

“…Although this law was overturned by Australian Senate 9 months later, its presence may have affected the attitudes of the Australian nurses. 1,7,[23][24][25] The findings of previous studies regarding the views and attitudes of health care professionals have been somewhat contradictory. This can be partially explained by cultural influences on perceptions of euthanasia.…”

“…1,18,26 Other possible contributory factors are the wide array of definitions of euthanasia and differences in the specific questions addressed. 1,15 The majority of previous studies have been conducted outside nursing science by using quantitative designs, which may not fully reveal euthanasia's multifaceted nature. Rejection of euthanasia is commonly based on respect for life and religion, as it is seen as an action that violates religious ethical codes.…”

“…One classification, based on the level of involvement, distinguishes between active euthanasia (termination of a person's life by a deliberate act, such as injection of medication) and passive euthanasia (termination by inaction). 1,4,6,26 Another classification, based on the expression of a person's will, distinguishes between voluntary euthanasia (termination following a patient's explicitly expressed desire for the act), 1,4,22,28 involuntary euthanasia (without the patient's request), and nonvoluntary euthanasia (in cases where the patient is incapable of consenting). 1,4,15 In this study, euthanasia is defined as a deliberate act intended to terminate the life of a person following his/her explicit request.…”

“…1,4,6,26 Another classification, based on the expression of a person's will, distinguishes between voluntary euthanasia (termination following a patient's explicitly expressed desire for the act), 1,4,22,28 involuntary euthanasia (without the patient's request), and nonvoluntary euthanasia (in cases where the patient is incapable of consenting). 1,4,15 In this study, euthanasia is defined as a deliberate act intended to terminate the life of a person following his/her explicit request. 1,28,29 The purpose of this study was to contribute to the ongoing debate by elucidating nurses' rarely explored perceptions of euthanasia and its legalization in Finland.…”

“…1,4,15 In this study, euthanasia is defined as a deliberate act intended to terminate the life of a person following his/her explicit request. 1,28,29 The purpose of this study was to contribute to the ongoing debate by elucidating nurses' rarely explored perceptions of euthanasia and its legalization in Finland.…”