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Citation
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Groenewoud JH, Van Der Heide A, Onwuteaka-Philipsen BD, Willems DL, Van Der Maas PJ, Van Der Wal W. Ned. Tijdschr. Geneeskd. 2000; 144(20): 935-941. |
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Abstract
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OBJECTIVE. To determine frequency and characteristics of the problems arising with the performance of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Design. Descriptive.
METHODS. Data used had been collected during interviews with 405 physicians in 1990-1991 and in 1995-1996, and with 210 physicians (1995-1996) who had reported a case of physician-assisted death, with a total of 649 cases. Clinical problems were defined as: technical problems, complications, or problems with completion.
RESULTS. In 535 cases (82%), the physician's intention was to perform euthanasia, and in 114 cases (18%) the intention was to provide assistance with suicide. Technical problems, such as difficulty inserting an intravenous line, were mentioned in 5% of all cases. Complications, such as myoclonus or vomiting, occurred in 4% of the patients, and problems with completion (a longer-than-expected time of death, failure to induce coma, or induction of coma followed by awakening of the patient) occurred in 7%. Problems of any type were more frequent in cases of assisted suicide than in cases of euthanasia; in particular, problems with completion occurred significantly more often (p < 0.001). The physician decided to administer a lethal medication in 21 of the cases of assisted suicide (18%), which thus became cases of euthanasia. The reasons for this decision included problems with completion (in 12 cases) and the inability of the patient to take all the medications himself (in 5 cases).
CONCLUSION. There may be clinical problems with the performance of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Physicians who intend to perform euthanasia or assist in suicide should be prepared for this.
Language: en |