Determinants of unbearable suffering in hospice patients who died due to euthanasia: A retrospective cohort study

In this retrospective study, determinants of unbearable suffering in hospice patients who died due to euthanasia were analyzed. The four dimensions of suffering (physical, psychological, social, and existential) were used as a framework. 28 patients (5% of all admitted patients in nine years) were i...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Death studies 2021-07, Vol.45 (6), p.451-458
Main Authors: Bos, Dieuwke C., de Graaf, Everlien, de Graeff, Alexander, Teunissen, Saskia C. C. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cohort analysis
Euthanasia
Health technology assessment
Hospice care
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:In this retrospective study, determinants of unbearable suffering in hospice patients who died due to euthanasia were analyzed. The four dimensions of suffering (physical, psychological, social, and existential) were used as a framework. 28 patients (5% of all admitted patients in nine years) were included. Most patients indicated 3-5 determinants, predominantly a combination of physical (96% of patients) and existential determinants (89%). Fatigue, anorexia, and dry mouth were the most prevalent and severe symptoms. Psychological (21%) and social determinants (4%) were much less often described. The results of this study may be used to assess determinants playing a role in euthanasia requests.
ISSN:0748-1187
1091-7683
DOI:10.1080/07481187.2019.1648338