The varying ethical attitudes towards resuscitation in Europe

Abstract

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the varying attitudes in Europe towards ethical aspects of resuscitation in Europe.

Method: The ethics of resuscitation is a key discussion topic in the European Resuscitation Council Advanced Life Support (ALS) course. A questionnaire was sent to all leading ALS course directors in 20 European countries. All completed the questionnaire. The results were compiled in March 2004. Views were sought on the following ethical aspects:When not to attempt resuscitation Active euthanasia When to abandon resuscitation efforts The diagnosis of death by non physicians Permission for relatives to be with the patient during resuscitation if they wish Teaching on the recently dead Breaking bad news Results: The results reveal a considerable variation in the interpretation of ethical dilemmas within European countries. It is interesting to note that the results do not necessarily conform to traditional beliefs in the characteristic differences between Northern and Southern Europe. The Mediterranean countries do not all have the same attitudes, any more than the Nordic or Central European countries share the same views.

Conclusions: There remains a widespread divergence of views on ethical aspects of resuscitation with the countries of Europe that are largely unpredictable according to commonly perceived national characteristics. The trend over the past 6 years is towards a more permissive attitude. For many ethical questions there can be no clear and correct didactic answers.