Determinants of the willingness to endorse assisted suicide - Survey of physicians, nurses, and social workers

Author(s): Coyle, N., Kash, K. M., Brescia, F., Scanlon, C., OHare, D., Misbin, R. I., Holland, J., Foley, K. M.

Journal/Book: Psychosomatics. 1997; 38: 1400 K St NW, Washington, DC 20005. Amer Psychiatric Association. 277-287.

Abstract: The authors surveyed 1,137 physicians, nurses, and social workers (overall response = 48%) to characterize the willingness to endorse assisted suicide. Willingness to endorse varied among disciplines and was negatively correlated with level of religious belief (r = -0.35, P < 0.0001), knowledge of symptom management (r = -0.21, P < 0.0001), and time managing symptoms (r = -0.21, P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, the significant predictors were lesser religious belief (P < 0.0001), greater concern about analgesic toxicity (P = 0.001), diminished empathy (P = 0.03), lesser knowledge of symptom management (P < 0.04), and the interaction between religious belief and knowledge of symptom management (P = 0.04). Professionals' attitudes toward assisted suicide are influenced by diverse personal attributes, among which may be competence in symptom management and burnout.

Note: Article Portenoy RK, Mem Sloan Kettering Canc Ctr, Dept Neurol, Pain Serv, 1275 York Ave, New York,NY 10021 USA

Keyword(s): PATIENT REQUESTS; CANCER PAIN; EUTHANASIA; ATTITUDES; DOCTORS; MANAGEMENT; ONCOLOGY; BURNOUT; DEBATE; DEATH

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