Attitudes towards euthanasia among Greek intensive care unit physicians and nurses

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the attitudes of Greek intensive care unit (ICU) medical and nursing staff towards euthanasia.

Background: ICU physicians and nurses deal with end-of-life dilemmas on a daily basis. Therefore, the exploration of their stances on euthanasia is worthwhile.

Methods: This was a descriptive quantitative study conducted in three ICUs in Athens. The convenience sample included 39 physicians and 107 nurses.

Results: Of respondents, 52% defined euthanasia inaccurately, as withholding or withdrawal of treatment, while 15% ranked limitation of life-support among the several forms of euthanasia, together with active shortening of the dying process and physician - assisted suicide. Only one third of participants defined euthanasia correctly. While 59% of doctors and 64% of nurses support the legalization of active euthanasia, just 28% and 26% of them, respectively, agree with it ethically.

Conclusions: Confusion prevails among Greek ICU physicians and nurses regarding the definition of euthanasia. The majority of staff disagrees with active euthanasia, but upholds its legalization.

Keywords: End-of-life decisions; Euthanasia; Limitation of life-sustaining treatment; Quality of life; Shared decision-making.