NURSES’ ATTITUDES TOWARDS EUTHANASIA IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE

Problem Since 2002, euthanasia is legal in Belgium under certain circumstances. Nurses are involved in the process and may raise objections regarding psychiatric patients' euthanasia request. The aim of this study is to determine the attitude of nurses when there is a request for euthanasia by a psychiatric patient.
Methods A cross-sectional survey in a convenience sample of four psychiatric institutions in Flanders (Belgium) was performed. In total 133 nurses participated. A questionnaire was developed based on existing ones. In most questions a 5-point Likert scale was used, ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. Some questions got a dichotomous response category since there was no other possible answer (yes/no). Written questionnaires were provided to all participants, including an informed consent. The dataset was processed in SPSS. This study is approved by the ethical comity of the four psychiatric institutions.
Results There is a general acceptance with the caregiver in the psychiatric setting towards euthanasia by psychiatric patients. A large majority of caregivers supports the opinion that the condition can be medically and emotionally hopeless and that the patients request can be considered. A majority of caregivers believes that the psychiatric patient can make an informed decision for euthanasia. There is a consensus on the importance of the subject of euthanasia in psychiatry should be a course in nursing education. The provider considers it’s necessary that clear guidelines are available at the hospital and department level. Conclusion The responses to the survey, deduce that there is a great interest in this subject. The results of the survey, conclude that the caregiver strongly demands for more knowledge regarding to euthanasia law in conjunction with the care for the psychiatric patient.
Keywords: euthanasia, nurses, psychiatric patient, unbearable mental suffering.