[The use of drugs for euthanasia and assisted suicide in family practice]

Abstract

An exploratory, descriptive, retrospective study was carried out concerning the use of means for euthanasia or assisted suicide, primarily regarding the period 1986-1989. Data were collected via an anonymous written inquiry among a random sample of family physicians in North Holland (n = 521) and family physicians in the rest of the Netherlands (n = 521). The inquiry contained among others questions about the last case they had encountered. In addition, police reports of euthanasia or assisted suicide administered by family physicians in North Holland (n = 263) were analysed. The response to the inquiry was 67%; (non-respondents did not differ from respondents): 388 cases could be analysed. The use of euthanatics by family physicians in North Holland and those in the rest of the Netherlands was identical. More than 40 different euthanatics were used, most of them incidentally. The most frequently used (combination of) means were a benzodiazepine with a neuromuscular relaxant (23%), a barbiturate with a neuromuscular relaxant (20%), barbiturates (15%) and opioids (12%). Most euthanatics were given intravenously (61%, of which 5% by infusion), orally 21%, intramuscularly 12%, rectally 3% and subcutaneously 2%. The quantities applied varied greatly. The average length of time from the start of the procedure till decrease was 3.8 hours (less than or equal to 1 minute-72 hours). In 12% of the cases complications or unintended effects were reported. Comparison of inquiry and police reports showed some differences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)