Attitudes towards euthanasia among Greek intensive care unit physicians and nurses

Georgios Kranidiotis, Julia Ropa, John Mprianas, Theodoros Kyprianou, Serafim Nanas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the attitudes of Greek intensive care unit (ICU) medical and nursing staff towards euthanasia. Background: ICU physicians and nurses deal with end-of-life dilemmas on a daily basis. Therefore, the exploration of their stances on euthanasia is worthwhile. Methods: This was a descriptive quantitative study conducted in three ICUs in Athens. The convenience sample included 39 physicians and 107 nurses. Results: Of respondents, 52% defined euthanasia inaccurately, as withholding or withdrawal of treatment, while 15% ranked limitation of life-support among the several forms of euthanasia, together with active shortening of the dying process and physician - assisted suicide. Only one third of participants defined euthanasia correctly. While 59% of doctors and 64% of nurses support the legalization of active euthanasia, just 28% and 26% of them, respectively, agree with it ethically. Conclusions: Confusion prevails among Greek ICU physicians and nurses regarding the definition of euthanasia. The majority of staff disagrees with active euthanasia, but upholds its legalization.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)260-263
Number of pages4
JournalHeart and Lung: Journal of Acute and Critical Care
Volume44
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2015

Keywords

  • End-of-life decisions
  • Euthanasia
  • Limitation of life-sustaining treatment
  • Quality of life
  • Shared decision-making

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