Nursing Students’ Attitudes, Future Role, and Knowledge Regarding Euthanasia Due to Unbearable Mental Suffering: A Single-Site Pilot Study

Dennis Demedts, Sandra Tricas-Sauras, Johan Bilsen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)
269 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Background: This study examines the attitudes, view of their future role, and knowledge of nursing students regarding euthanasia due to unbearable mental suffering (UMS euthanasia) in Belgium. Nurses have a key role in this situation at many levels. The practice of euthanasia is expanding globally and laws are changing, making more research essential. Method: A cross-sectional design and online survey were used. All nursing students at a Belgian university college participated. Results: The majority of nursing students had a high degree of acceptance towards UMS euthanasia and highlighted their important role in the euthanasia decision-making process, but also reported a lack of knowledge and skills. Conclusion: Nursing education at all levels needs to recognize this knowledge gap, taking into account the complexity and broader context of end-of-life care.
Translated title of the contributionAttitudes, toekomstige rol en kennis van studenten verpleegkunde betreffende euthanasie wegens ondraaglijk geestelijkpsychisch lijden
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)61-68
Number of pages8
JournalCreative Nursing
Volume28
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2022

Keywords

  • Euthanasia
  • nursing students
  • mental health nursing
  • unbearable mental suffering

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