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Demedts D, Magerman J, Goossens E, Tricas-Sauras S, Bilsen J, De Smet S, Fobelets M. Using simulation to teach nursing students how to deal with a euthanasia request. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299049. [PMID: 38547210 PMCID: PMC10977752 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Nursing students are confronted with euthanasia during their internship and certainly during their later career but they feel inadequately prepared in dealing with a euthanasia request. This study presents a simulation module focused on euthanasia and evaluates nursing students' perceptions after they have completed the simulation practice. The 'euthanasia module' consisted of a preparatory online learning module, a good-practice video, an in-vivo simulation scenario, and a debriefing session. The module's content was validated by four experts in end-of-life care. The module was completed by three groups of students from two different University Colleges (n = 17 in total). The students were divided into three groups: one with no previous simulation education experience, one with all students having previous experience, and another with a mix of experiences. After completing the entire module, each group had a discussion regarding their perceptions and expectations concerning this simulation module. Thematic content analysis was conducted on audio-recorded group interviews using NVIVO® software, involving initial open coding, transformation into specific themes and subthemes through axial coding, and defining core themes through selective coding, with data analysis continuing until data saturation was reached. Students generally found the online learning module valuable for background information, had mixed perceptions of the good-practice video, and appreciated the well-crafted scenarios with the taboo of euthanasia emerging during simulations, while the debriefing process was seen as enhancing clinical reasoning abilities. Students considered the simulation module a valuable addition to their education and nursing careers, expressing their satisfaction with the comprehensive coverage of the sensitive topic presented without sensationalism or taboos. This subject holds significance for nations with established euthanasia laws and those lacking such legal frameworks. The findings of this study can aid teachers in developing and accessing euthanasia simulation training programs, contributing to broader education's emphasis on integrating euthanasia-related knowledge and skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Demedts
- Brussels Expertise Centre for Healthcare Innovation (BruCHI), Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Brussels, Belgium
- Research group Mental Health and Wellbeing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jürgen Magerman
- Research Collective EQUALITY, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Special Needs Education, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Special Needs Education, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ellen Goossens
- School of Healthcare, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Ghent, Belgium
- Research Centre 360° Care and Well-being, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sandra Tricas-Sauras
- Brussels Expertise Centre for Healthcare Innovation (BruCHI), Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Johan Bilsen
- Research group Mental Health and Wellbeing, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefaan De Smet
- Research Centre SUPRB, HOGENT University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maaike Fobelets
- Brussels Expertise Centre for Healthcare Innovation (BruCHI), Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Brussels, Belgium
- Biostatistics and Medical Informatics Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Teacher Education, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Bastidas-Bilbao H, Castle D, Gupta M, Stergiopoulos V, Hawke LD. Medical assistance in dying for mental illness: a complex intervention requiring a correspondingly complex evaluation approach. Br J Psychiatry 2024:1-4. [PMID: 38433599 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2024.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Medical assistance in dying for mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition (MAiD MI-SUMC) is a controversial and complex policy in terms of psychosocial and ethical medical practice implications. We discuss the status of MAiD MI-SUMC in Canada and argue for the use of the UK Medical Research Council's framework on complex interventions in programme evaluations of MAiD MI-SUMC. It is imperative to carefully and rigorously evaluate the implementation of MAiD MI-SUMC to ensure an understanding of the multiple facets of implementation in contexts permeated by unique social, economic, cultural and historical influences, with a correspondingly diverse array of outcomes. This requires a complexity-informed programme evaluation focused on context-dependent mechanisms and stakeholder experiences, including patients, service providers and other people affected by the policy. It is also important to consider the economic impact on health and social welfare systems. Such evaluations can provide the data needed to guide evidence-informed decision-making that can contribute to safer implementation and refinement of MAiD MI-SUMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamer Bastidas-Bilbao
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Castle
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mona Gupta
- Département de psychiatrie, Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Vicky Stergiopoulos
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa D Hawke
- Centre for Complex Interventions, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Stergiopoulos V, Bastidas-Bilbao H, Gupta M, Buchman DZ, Stewart DE, Rajji T, Simpson AIF, van Kesteren MR, Cappe V, Castle D, Shields R, Hawke LD. Care considerations in medical assistance in dying for persons with mental illness as the sole underlying medical condition: a qualitative study of patient and family perspectives. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:120. [PMID: 38355467 PMCID: PMC10865571 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05541-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with mental illness as their sole underlying medical condition are eligible to access medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in a small number of countries, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxemburg and Switzerland. In Canada, it is anticipated that people experiencing mental illness as their sole underlying medical condition (MI-SUMC) will be eligible to request MAiD as of March 17th 2024. To date, few studies have addressed patient and family perspectives on MAiD MI-SUMC care processes. This study aimed to address this gap and qualitatively explore the perspectives of persons with lived experience of mental illness and family members on care considerations during MI-SUMC implementation. METHODS Thirty adults with lived experience of mental illness and 25 adult family members residing in Ontario participated in this study. To facilitate participant engagement, the semi-structured interview used a persona-scenario exercise to discuss perspectives on MAiD MI-SUMC acceptability and care considerations. Framework analysis was used to inductively analyze data using NVivo 12 Pro. Steps, processes, or other care considerations suggested by the participants were charted in a framework matrix after familiarization with the narratives. Key themes were further identified. A lived-experience advisory group participated in every aspect of this study. RESULTS Six themes were developed from the patient and family narratives: (1) Raising MAiD MI-SUMC awareness; (2) Sensitive Introduction of MAiD MI-SUMC in goals of care discussions; (3) Asking for MAiD MI-SUMC: a person-focused response; (4) A comprehensive circle of MAiD MI-SUMC care; (5) A holistic, person-centered assessment process; and (6) Need for support in the aftermath of the decision. These themes highlighted a congruence of views between patient and family members and described key desired process ingredients, including a person-centred non-judgmental stance by care providers, inter-professional holistic care, shared decision making, and the primacy of patient autonomy in healthcare decision making. CONCLUSIONS Family and patient perspectives on the implementation of MAiD MI-SUMC offer important considerations for service planning that could complement existing and emerging professional practice standards. These stakeholders' perspectives will continue to be essential in MAiD MI-SUMC implementation efforts, to better address the needs of diverse communities and inform improvement efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky Stergiopoulos
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | | | - Mona Gupta
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Z Buchman
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donna E Stewart
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tarek Rajji
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander I F Simpson
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Vivien Cappe
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Castle
- University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
- Statewide Mental Health Service, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Roslyn Shields
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa D Hawke
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Archer M, Willmott L, Chambaere K, Deliens L, White BP. Mapping Sources of Assisted Dying Regulation in Belgium: A Scoping Review of the Literature. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228231210146. [PMID: 37914208 DOI: 10.1177/00302228231210146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Belgium has over 20 years of experience regulating assisted dying (AD). While much research considers this end-of-life practice, no studies have comprehensively analysed the various sources of regulation that govern it, including law, professional standards, and ethics. A scoping review identified all sources of regulation that guide AD practice, and their regulatory functions. Databases and reference lists were searched for records which met inclusion criteria between 11/2/22 and 25/3/22. Existing scholarship was used to identify sources of regulation, and thematically analyse their functions. Of the initial sample of 1364 records, 107 were included. Six sources of regulation were identified: law, policies, professional standards, training, advisory documents, and system design. Three regulatory functions were identified: prescribing conduct, scaffolding to support practice, and monitoring the system. The Belgian AD regulatory framework is multifaceted, complex, and fragmented. Providers must navigate and reconcile numerous sources of guidance providing this form of end-of-life care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Archer
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lindy Willmott
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth Chambaere
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel & Ghent University, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ben P White
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Faculty of Business and Law, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Favron-Godbout C, Racine E. Medical assistance in dying for people living with mental disorders: a qualitative thematic review. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:86. [PMID: 37875867 PMCID: PMC10594804 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00971-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) sparks debate in several countries, some of which allow or plan to allow MAiD where a mental disorder is the sole underlying medical condition (MAiD-MD). Since MAiD-MD is becoming permissible in a growing number of jurisdictions, there is a need to better understand the moral concerns related to this option. Gaining a better understanding of the moral concerns at stake is a first step towards identifying ways of addressing them so that MAiD-MD can be successfully introduced and implemented, where legislations allow it. METHODS Thus, this article aims (1) to better understand the moral concerns regarding MAiD-MD, and (2) to identify potential solutions to promote stakeholders' well-being. A qualitative thematic review was undertaken, which used systematic keyword-driven search and thematic analysis of content. Seventy-four publications met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS Various moral concerns and proposed solutions were identified and are related to how MAiD-MD is introduced in 5 contexts: (1) Societal context, (2) Healthcare system, (3) Continuum of care, (4) Discussions on the option of MAiD-MD, (5) MAiD-MD practices. We propose this classification of the identified moral concerns because it helps to better understand the various facets of discomfort experienced with MAiD-MD. In so doing, it also directs the various actions to be taken to alleviate these discomforts and promote the well-being of stakeholders. CONCLUSION The assessment of MAiD-MD applications, which is part of the context of MAiD-MD practices, emerges as the most widespread source of concern. Addressing the moral concerns arising in the five contexts identified could help ease concerns regarding the assessment of MAiD-MD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Favron-Godbout
- Pragmatic Health Ethics Research Unit, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, 110 av. des Pins O, Montreal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Eric Racine
- Pragmatic Health Ethics Research Unit, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, 110 av. des Pins O, Montreal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada.
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Bastidas-Bilbao H, Stergiopoulos V, van Kesteren MR, Stewart DE, Cappe V, Gupta M, Buchman DZ, Simpson AIF, Castle D, Campbell BH, Hawke LD. Searching for relief from suffering: A patient-oriented qualitative study on medical assistance in dying for mental illness as the sole underlying medical condition. Soc Sci Med 2023; 331:116075. [PMID: 37441977 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) was introduced into Canadian legislation in 2016. Mental illness as the sole underlying medical condition (MI-SUMC) is excluded from eligibility; this is expected to change in 2024. Incurability, intolerable suffering, capacity to make healthcare decisions, and suicidality have been publicly debated in connection with mental illness. Few studies have explored the views of persons with mental illness on the introduction and acceptability of MAiD MI-SUMC; this study aimed to fill this gap. Thirty adults, residing in Ontario, Canada, who self-identified as living with mental illness participated. A semi-structured interview including a persona-scenario exercise was designed to discuss participants' views on MAiD MI-SUMC and when it could be acceptable or not. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to inductively analyze data. Codes and themes were developed after extensive familiarization with the dataset. A lived-experience advisory group was engaged throughout the study. We identified six themes: The certainty of suffering; Is there a suffering threshold to be met? The uncertainty of mental illness; My own limits, values, and decisions; MAiD MI-SUMCas acceptable when therapeutic means, and othersupports, have been tried to alleviate long-term suffering; and Between relief and rejection. These themes underline how the participants' lived experience comprised negative impacts caused by long-term mental illness, stigma, and in some cases, socioeconomic factors. The need for therapeutic and non-therapeutic supports was highlighted, along with unresolved tensions about the links between mental illness, capacity, and suicidality. Although not all participants viewed MAiD MI-SUMC as acceptable for mental illness, they autonomously embraced limits, values, and decisions of their own along their search for relief. Identifying individual and contextual elements in each person's experience of illness and suffering is necessary to understand diverse perspectives on MAiD MI-SUMC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vicky Stergiopoulos
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Donna Eileen Stewart
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Mental Health and Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vivien Cappe
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mona Gupta
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Département de Psychiatrie, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Daniel Z Buchman
- Education and Professional Practice Office, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health and University of Toronto Joint Centre for Bioethics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexander I F Simpson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Forensic Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Castle
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Lisa D Hawke
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Kious BM, Pabst Peggy Battin M. A Focus Group Study of the Views of Persons with a History of Psychiatric Illness about Psychiatric Medical Aid in Dying. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2023; 15:1-10. [PMID: 37339278 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2023.2224591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical aid in dying (MAID) is legal in a number of countries, including some states in the U.S. While MAID is only permitted for terminal illnesses in the U.S., some other countries allow it for persons with psychiatric illness. Psychiatric MAID, however, raises unique ethical concerns, especially related to its effects on mental illness stigma and on how persons with psychiatric illnesses would come to feel about treatment and suicide. To explore those concerns, we conducted several focus groups with persons with lived experience of mental illness. METHODS We conducted three video-conference-based focus groups involving adults residing in the U.S. who reported a prior diagnosis of any psychiatric illness. Only participants who reported thinking that MAID for terminal illness was morally acceptable were included. Focus group participants were asked to respond to a series of four questions. Groups were facilitated by a coordinator who was independent of the research team. RESULTS A total of 22 persons participated in the focus groups. The majority of participants had depression and anxiety disorders; no participants had psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Many participants strongly favored permitting psychiatric MAID, generally on the basis of respect for autonomy, its effects on stigma, and the severe suffering caused by mental illness. Others expressed concerns, typically related to difficulties in ensuring decision-making capacity and to the risk that MAID would be used in lieu of suicide. CONCLUSIONS Persons with a history of psychiatric illness, as a group, have a diverse array of views about the permissibility of psychiatric MAID, reflecting nuanced consideration of how it relates to the public perception of mental illness, stigma, autonomy, and suicide risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent M Kious
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Department of Philosophy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Center for Health Ethics, Arts, and Humanities, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Margaret Pabst Peggy Battin
- Department of Philosophy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
- Center for Health Ethics, Arts, and Humanities, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Vissers S, Dierickx S, Deliens L, Mortier F, Cohen J, Chambaere K. Characteristics and outcomes of peer consultations for assisted dying request assessments: Cross-sectional survey study among attending physicians. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1100353. [PMID: 37064672 PMCID: PMC10090406 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1100353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundIn most jurisdictions where assisted dying practices are legal, attending physicians must consult another practitioner to assess the patient's eligibility. Consequently, in some jurisdictions, they can rely on the expertise of trained assisted dying consultants (trained consultants). However, these peer consultations remain under-researched. We examined the characteristics and outcomes of peer consultations to assess an assisted dying request with trained consultants, and explored how these characteristics influence the performance of assisted dying.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2019–2020 in Belgium among attending physicians who had consulted a trained consultant for an assisted dying request assessment (N = 904).ResultsThe valid response rate was 56% (502/903). The vast majority of attending physicians (92%) who had consulted a trained consultant were general practitioners. In more than half of the consultations (57%), the patient was diagnosed with cancer. In 66%, the patient was aged 70 or older. Reported as the patients' most important reasons to request assisted dying: suffering without prospect of improving in 49% of the consultations, loss of dignity in 11%, pain in 9%, and tiredness of life in 9%. In the vast majority of consultations (85%), the attending physician consulted the trained consultant because of the expertise, and in nearly half of the consultations (46%) because of the independence. In more than nine out of ten consultations (91%), the consultant gave a positive advice: i.e., substantive requirements for assisted dying were met. Eight out of ten consultations were followed by assisted dying. The likelihood of assisted dying was higher in consultations in which loss of dignity, loss of independence in daily living, or general weakness or tiredness were reasons for the request.ConclusionOur findings indicate that the peer consultation practice with trained consultants is most often embedded in a primary care setting. Moreover, our study corroborates previous research in that assisted dying is performed relatively less frequently in patients with cancer and more often in patients with general deterioration. Our findings suggest that attending physicians hold peer consultations with trained consultants to endorse their own decision-making and to request additional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stijn Vissers
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Universiteit Gent, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Gent, Ghent, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Stijn Vissers
| | - Sigrid Dierickx
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Universiteit Gent, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Deliens
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Universiteit Gent, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Freddy Mortier
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Universiteit Gent, Brussels, Belgium
- Bioethics Institute Ghent, Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Universiteit Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joachim Cohen
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Universiteit Gent, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kenneth Chambaere
- End-of-Life Care Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Universiteit Gent, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Universiteit Gent, Ghent, Belgium
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Elwyn R. A lived experience response to the proposed diagnosis of terminal anorexia nervosa: learning from iatrogenic harm, ambivalence and enduring hope. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:2. [PMID: 36604749 PMCID: PMC9815687 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00729-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The ethical approach to treatment non-response and treatment refusal in severe-enduring anorexia nervosa (SE-AN) is the source of significant ethical debate, particularly given the risk of death by suicide or medical complications. A recent article proposed criteria to define when anorexia nervosa (AN) can be diagnosed as 'terminal' in order to facilitate euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (EAS), otherwise known as medical assistance in dying, for individuals who wish to be relieved of suffering and accept treatment as 'futile'. This author utilises their personal lived experience to reflect on the issues raised, including: treatment refusal, iatrogenic harm, suicidality and desire to end suffering, impact of diagnosis/prognosis, schemas, alexithymia, countertransference, ambivalence, and holding on to hope. Within debates as critical as the bioethics of involuntary treatment, end-of-life and EAS in eating disorders, it is crucial that the literature includes multiple cases and perspectives of individuals with SE-AN that represent a wide range of experiences and explores the complexity of enduring AN illness, complex beliefs, communication patterns and relational dynamics that occur in SE-AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosiel Elwyn
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Birtinya, QLD, Australia.
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