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 contribution | Attitudes, toekomstige rol en kennis van studenten verpleegkunde betreffende euthanasie wegens ondraaglijk geestelijkpsychisch lijden |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Pages (from-to) | 61-68 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Creative Nursing |
| Volume | 28 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2022 |
Keywords
- Euthanasia
- nursing students
- mental health nursing
- unbearable mental suffering