Opinions of nurses regarding Euthanasia and Medically Assisted Suicide

Background Safeguarding the right to die according to the principles of autonomy and freedom of each person has become more important in the last decade, therefore increasing regulation of Euthanasia and Medically Assisted Suicide (MAS). Aims To learn the opinions that the nurses of the autonomous r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nursing ethics 2022-12, Vol.29 (7-8), p.1721-1738
Main Authors: Velasco Sanz, Tamara Raquel, Cabrejas Casero, Ana María, Rodríguez González, Yolanda, Barbado Albaladejo, José Antonio, Mower Hanlon, Lydia Frances, Guerra Llamas, María Isabel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anonymity
Assisted suicide
Autonomy
Confidentiality
Conscientious objectors
Data integrity
Euthanasia
Legality
Medical ethics
Nurses
Palliative care
Patients
Patients rights
Questionnaires
Regulation
Religion
Religious beliefs
Right to die
Suicides & suicide attempts
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Summary:Background Safeguarding the right to die according to the principles of autonomy and freedom of each person has become more important in the last decade, therefore increasing regulation of Euthanasia and Medically Assisted Suicide (MAS). Aims To learn the opinions that the nurses of the autonomous region of Madrid have regarding Euthanasia and Medically Assisted Suicide. Research design Cross-sectional descriptive study. Participants and research context All registered nurses in Madrid. The study was done by means of a self-completed anonymous questionnaire. The variables studied were social-demographic, giving opinions about Euthanasia and MAS. Ethical considerations Each participant was assured maximum confidentiality and anonymity, ensuring the ethical principles set out in the Declaration of Helsinki, as well as in the Organic Law 3/2018, on Personal Data Protection and guarantee of digital rights. Findings A total of 489 nurses answered the questionnaire. In total, 75.7% of the nurses confirmed that Euthanasia should be regulated in Spain. 66.3% indicated that information on Euthanasia should be provided jointly by doctors and nurses, and 42.3% considered that it could be applied by both medical and nursing professionals. A total of 87.2% advocated the participation of nurses in health policy, influencing the drafting of the law. In the face of possible regulation, 35% would request Conscientious Objection, being closely related to their religious beliefs. Discussion Different authors point out that nurses’ perceptions and attitudes towards Euthanasia are conditioned by different factors, such as religion, gender, poor palliative care, legality and the patient's right to die. Conclusion Nurses are positioned in favour of the regulation and practice of Euthanasia and MAS, depending on their age, years of experience, training, model of care and especially religious beliefs.
ISSN:0969-7330
1477-0989
DOI:10.1177/09697330221109940