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Rahimian Z, Rahimian L, Lopez‐Castroman J, Ostovarfar J, Fallahi MJ, Nayeri MA, Vardanjani HM. What medical conditions lead to a request for euthanasia? A rapid scoping review. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1978. [PMID: 38515545 PMCID: PMC10955044 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Euthanasia is a controversial issue related to the right to die. Although euthanasia is mostly requested by terminally sick individuals, even in societies where it is legal, it is unclear what medical conditions lead to euthanasia requests. In this scoping review, we aimed to compile medical conditions for which euthanasia has been requested or performed around the world. Methods The review was preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. Retrieved search results were screened and unrelated documents were excluded. Data on reasons for conducting or requesting euthanasia along with the study type, setting, and publication year were extracted from documents. Human development index and euthanasia legality were also extracted. Major medical fields were used to categorize reported reasons. Group discussions were conducted if needed for this categorization. An electronic search was undertaken in MEDLINE through PubMed for published documents covering the years January 2000 to September 2022. Results Out of 3323 records, a total of 197 papers were included. The most common medical conditions in euthanasia requests are cancer in a terminal phase (45.4%), Alzheimer's disease and dementia (19.8%), constant unbearable physical or mental suffering (19.8%), treatment-resistant mood disorders (12.2%), and advanced cardiovascular disorders (12.2%). Conclusion Reasons for euthanasia are mostly linked to chronic or terminal physical conditions. Psychiatric disorders also lead to a substantial proportion of euthanasia requests. This review can help to identify the features shared by conditions that lead to performing or requesting euthanasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Rahimian
- Student Research CommitteeShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- MD‐MPH Department, School of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Leila Rahimian
- School of DentistryShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Jorge Lopez‐Castroman
- Department of Psychiatry, CHU Nîmes & IGFCNRS‐INSERMUniversity of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CIBERSAMMadridSpain
| | - Jeyran Ostovarfar
- MD‐MPH Department, School of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Mohammad J. Fallahi
- Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Research CenterShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Mohammad A. Nayeri
- Student Research CommitteeShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- MD‐MPH Department, School of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Hossein M. Vardanjani
- MD‐MPH Department, School of Medicine, Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
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Liu T, Liu W, Leung A, Jia S, Lee P, Liu L, Mutsaers A, Miller S, Honarmand K, Malik S, Qu M, Ball I. Medical Assistance in Dying in Oncology Patients: A Canadian Academic Hospital's Experience. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:9407-9415. [PMID: 36547153 PMCID: PMC9777282 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29120739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical assistance in dying (MAID) was legislatively enacted in Canada in June 2016. Most studies of patients who received MAID grouped patients with cancer and non-cancer diagnoses. Our goal was to analyze the characteristics of oncology patients who received MAID in a Canadian tertiary care hospital. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with cancer who received MAID between June 2016 and July 2020 at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC). We describe patients' demographics, oncologic characteristics, symptoms, treatments, and palliative care involvement. RESULTS Ninety-two oncology patients received MAID. The median age was 72. The leading cancer diagnoses among these patients were lung, colorectal, and pancreatic. At the time of MAID request, 68% of patients had metastatic disease. Most patients (90%) had ECOG performance status of 3 or 4 before receiving MAID. Ninety-nine percent of patients had distressing symptoms at time of MAID request, most commonly pain. One-third of patients with metastatic or recurrent cancer received early palliative care. The median time interval between the first MAID assessment and receipt of MAID was 7 days. INTERPRETATION Most oncology patients who received MAID at LHSC had poor performance status and almost all had distressing symptoms. The median time interval between first MAID assessment and receipt of MAID was shorter than expected. Only one-third of patients with metastatic or recurrent cancer received early palliative care. Improving access to early palliative care is a priority in patients with advanced cancer. STUDY REGISTRATION We received research approval from Western University's Research Ethics Board (REB) with project ID number 115367, and from Lawson's Research Database Application (ReDA) with study ID number 9579.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Liu
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Wei Liu
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Aaron Leung
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Sangyang Jia
- Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada
| | - Patsy Lee
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Luke Liu
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Adam Mutsaers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Odette Cancer Centre—Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Sue Miller
- London Health Sciences Centre Medical Assistance in Dying Program, London, ON N6H 1T3, Canada
| | - Kimia Honarmand
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Shiraz Malik
- Department of Family Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Melody Qu
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Ian Ball
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Castelli Dransart DA, Maggiori C, Lapierre S, Voélin S. Will they let me die? Perspectives of older Swiss adults on end-of-life issues. DEATH STUDIES 2020; 46:920-929. [PMID: 32660361 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2020.1788669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This article contributes to scientific discussion with regard to the interplay of individual and social factors on end-of-life decisions. Semi-directed interviews (N = 18) with people over 65 years highlighted two different but articulated fears in relation to end-of-life care: on one hand, older adults fear not being allowed to die and being subjected to therapeutic obstinacy; on the other, they fear not being cared for properly, due to their age and a lack of financial resources in the health and social care system. Recommendations are given to assist professionals in discussing these fears with the people concerned and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Maggiori
- School of Social Work Fribourg, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Sylvie Lapierre
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada
| | - Sabine Voélin
- School of Social Work Geneva, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland
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Guerrero-Torrelles M, Monforte-Royo C, Tomás-Sábado J, Marimon F, Porta-Sales J, Balaguer A. Meaning in Life as a Mediator Between Physical Impairment and the Wish to Hasten Death in Patients With Advanced Cancer. J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 54:826-834. [PMID: 28822798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Meaning in life (MiL) is a key factor for ensuring spiritual well-being and quality of life among patients with life-threatening illnesses. However, the role of MiL in relation to the wish to hasten death (WTHD) and its interaction with other physical and psychological factors in patients with advanced cancer has not yet been studied. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between the WTHD and MiL and to propose a theoretical model of functional relationships among WTHD, performance status, depression, and MiL. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of 101 patients in a palliative care unit, who were assessed in the context of a clinical interview. Outcome measures included performance status, depression, MiL, and the WTHD. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the functional relationships between these factors. RESULTS The WTHD correlated significantly (P < 0.01) with MiL (r = 0.60), performance status (r = 0.548), and depression (r = 0.397). The structural equation modeling analysis showed that although there was no significant direct effect between performance status and the WTHD, there was a significant total effect because of the mediation of depression and MiL. The latter played the most significant role, accounting for 76.5% of the mediation. CONCLUSION These results support the proposed model and provide evidence of a mediator effect of MiL and depression on the relationship between physical impairment and the WTHD in advanced patients. Our findings suggest that interventions to enhance MiL could help to address and/or prevent the emergence of a WTHD in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariona Guerrero-Torrelles
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Cristina Monforte-Royo
- Department of Nursing, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Joaquín Tomás-Sábado
- Escola Universitària d'Infermeria Gimbernat, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Frederic Marimon
- Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Spain
| | - Josep Porta-Sales
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain; Palliative Care Service, Institut Català d'Oncologia, l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Albert Balaguer
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain; Hospital Universitari General de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain.
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Cheung G, Douwes G, Sundram F. Late-Life Suicide in Terminal Cancer: A Rational Act or Underdiagnosed Depression? J Pain Symptom Manage 2017; 54:835-842. [PMID: 28807701 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Previous studies have reported significantly elevated standardized mortality rates in older people with cancer. Terminally ill people represent a unique group where suicide may be considered as rational. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study are to compare the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of older people with and without terminal cancer who died by suicide and analyze the suicide motives of those with terminal cancer to determine whether they represent rational suicide. METHODS The New Zealand Coronial Services provided records of all older people (aged 65 years and older) who died by suicide between July 2007 and December 2012. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from the records. Using the characteristics for defining rational suicide, we determined whether the motives in terminal cancer cases represented rational suicide. RESULTS Of the 214 suicide cases, 23 (10.7%) older people were diagnosed with a terminal cancer. Univariate analysis found that older people with terminal cancer who died by suicide were less likely to have a diagnosis of depression (8.7% vs. 46.6%; P = 0.001) or previous contact with mental health services (4.5% vs. 35.0%; P = 0.004) than those without terminal cancer. About 82.6% of the terminal cancer cases had a motivational basis that would be understandable to uninvolved observers. CONCLUSION A high proportion of those with terminal cancer had motives suggestive of rational suicide. Future studies are needed to clarify whether the low rate of depression is secondary to underdiagnosis of depression or people with terminal cancer choosing to end their life as a rational act to alleviate suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Cheung
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Gwendolyn Douwes
- The Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frederick Sundram
- Department of Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ, Hochstenbach LMJ, Joosten EAJ, Tjan-Heijnen VCG, Janssen DJA. Update on Prevalence of Pain in Patients With Cancer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2016; 51:1070-1090.e9. [PMID: 27112310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2015.12.340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 935] [Impact Index Per Article: 116.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cancer pain has a severe impact on quality of life and is associated with numerous psychosocial responses. Recent studies suggest that treatment of cancer pain has improved during the last decade. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review was to examine the present status of pain prevalence and pain severity in patients with cancer. METHODS A systematic search of the literature published between September 2005 and January 2014 was performed using the databases PubMed, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Articles in English or Dutch that reported on the prevalence of cancer pain in an adult population were included. Titles and abstracts were screened by two authors independently, after which full texts were evaluated and assessed on methodological quality. Study details and pain characteristics were extracted from the articles with adequate study quality. Prevalence rates were pooled with meta-analysis; meta-regression was performed to explore determinants of pain prevalence. RESULTS Of 4117 titles, 122 studies were selected for the meta-analyses on pain (117 studies, n = 63,533) and pain severity (52 studies, n = 32,261). Pain prevalence rates were 39.3% after curative treatment; 55.0% during anticancer treatment; and 66.4% in advanced, metastatic, or terminal disease. Moderate to severe pain (numerical rating scale score ≥5) was reported by 38.0% of all patients. CONCLUSION Despite increased attention on assessment and management, pain continues to be a prevalent symptom in patients with cancer. In the upcoming decade, we need to overcome barriers toward effective pain treatment and develop and implement interventions to optimally manage pain in patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke H J van den Beuken-van Everdingen
- Center of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Laura M J Hochstenbach
- School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Health Services Research, Maastricht University (UM), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elbert A J Joosten
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands; School of Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Vivianne C G Tjan-Heijnen
- School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW), Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daisy J A Janssen
- Center of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Research and Education, Center of Expertise for Chronic Organ Failure, CIRO+, Horn, The Netherlands
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Fishbain DA, Lewis JE, Gao J. The Pain—Suffering Association, A Review. PAIN MEDICINE 2015; 16:1057-72. [DOI: 10.1111/pme.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Monforte-Royo C, Villavicencio-Chávez C, Tomás-Sábado J, Balaguer A. The wish to hasten death: a review of clinical studies. Psychooncology 2010; 20:795-804. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.1839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Dees M, Vernooij-Dassen M, Dekkers W, van Weel C. Unbearable suffering of patients with a request for euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide: an integrative review. Psychooncology 2010; 19:339-52. [DOI: 10.1002/pon.1612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Hicks MHR. Physician-assisted suicide: a review of the literature concerning practical and clinical implications for UK doctors. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2006; 7:39. [PMID: 16792812 PMCID: PMC1550404 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-7-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2006] [Accepted: 06/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A bill to legalize physician-assisted suicide in the UK recently made significant progress in the British House of Lords and will be reintroduced in the future. Until now there has been little discussion of the clinical implications of physician-assisted suicide for the UK. This paper describes problematical issues that became apparent from a review of the medical and psychiatric literature as to the potential effects of legalized physician-assisted suicide. DISCUSSION Most deaths by physician-assisted suicide are likely to occur for the illness of cancer and in the elderly. GPs will deal with most requests for assisted suicide. The UK is likely to have proportionately more PAS deaths than Oregon due to the bill's wider application to individuals with more severe physical disabilities. Evidence from other countries has shown that coercion and unconscious motivations on the part of patients and doctors in the form of transference and countertransference contribute to the misapplication of physician-assisted suicide. Depression influences requests for hastened death in terminally ill patients, but is often under-recognized or dismissed by doctors, some of whom proceed with assisted death anyway. Psychiatric evaluations, though helpful, do not solve these problems. Safeguards that are incorporated into physician-assisted suicide criteria probably decrease but do not prevent its misapplication. SUMMARY The UK is likely to face significant clinical problems arising from physician-assisted suicide if it is legalized. Terminally ill patients with mental illness, especially depression, are particularly vulnerable to the misapplication of physician-assisted suicide despite guidelines and safeguards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn Hsiao-Rei Hicks
- Section of Community (PRiSM), Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, University of London, UK.
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Kristjanson LJ, Christakis N. Investigating euthanasia: methodological, ethical and clinical considerations. Palliat Med 2005; 19:575-7. [PMID: 16450873 DOI: 10.1191/0269216305pm1088xx] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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