The complexity of nurses’ attitudes toward euthanasia: a review of the literature

Abstract

In this literature review, a picture is given of the complexity of nursing attitudes toward euthanasia. The myriad of data found in empirical literature is mostly framed within a polarised debate and inconclusive about the complex reality behind attitudes toward euthanasia. Yet, a further examination of the content as well as the context of attitudes is more revealing. The arguments for euthanasia have to do with quality of life and respect for autonomy. Arguments against euthanasia have to do with non-maleficence, sanctity of life, and the notion of the slippery slope. When the context of attitudes is examined a number of positive correlates for euthanasia such as age, nursing specialty, and religion appear. In a further analysis of nurses’ comments on euthanasia, it is revealed that part of the complexity of nursing attitudes toward euthanasia arises because of the needs of nurses at the levels of clinical practice, communication, emotions, decision making, and ethics.

Attitudes towards euthanasia among Greek intensive care unit physicians and nurses

“…The voices of nurses are scarcely heard. 5,6 The objective of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Greek ICU medical and nursing staff towards euthanasia, and to evaluate the possible association of these attitudes with sociodemographic and professional variables.…”

Joining a right-to-die society: Motivation, beliefs and experiences

“…Nurses' attitudes tend to be complex, reflecting a wide range of views; greater acceptance being evident in younger and less religious nurses (Berghs, Dierckx de Casterlé, & Gastmans, 2005). The influence of religious belief was also evident in a survey of Australian nurses (Kitchener, 1998), where nurses least in favour of euthanasia were older, Catholic and working with terminally ill patients.…”

Multifaceted Nature of Euthanasia

“…Furthermore, opponents of euthanasia are often worried about drifting toward a ''slippery slope,'' that is, an extension of legal euthanasia from people with full mental capacity to people who cannot make independent decisions on ending their lives, for example, children or comatose patients. 4,14,18,23,[25][26][27] Possible reduction of people's control over decisions regarding their end-of-life care is seen as a further reason to resist euthanasia, 28 whereas respect for people's autonomy is one of the main reasons for positive attitudes toward euthanasia and its legalization. Supporters perceive euthanasia as a means of alleviating suffering.…”

“…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.…”