Determinants of unbearable suffering in hospice patients who died due to Euthanasia: A retrospective cohort study
Publication date
2021-07-03
Authors
Bos, Dieuwke C.
De Graaf, Everlien
De Graeff, Alexander
Teunissen, Saskia C.C.M.
Editors
Advisors
Supervisors
Document Type
Article
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cc_by_nc_nd
Abstract
In this retrospective study, determinants of unbearable suffering in hospice patients who died due to euthanasia were analyzed. The four dimensions of suffering (physical, psychological, social, and existential) were used as a framework. 28 patients (5% of all admitted patients in nine years) were included. Most patients indicated 3-5 determinants, predominantly a combination of physical (96% of patients) and existential determinants (89%). Fatigue, anorexia, and dry mouth were the most prevalent and severe symptoms. Psychological (21%) and social determinants (4%) were much less often described. The results of this study may be used to assess determinants playing a role in euthanasia requests.
Keywords
Developmental and Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous), Journal Article
Citation
Bos, D C, de Graaf, E, de Graeff, A & Teunissen, S C C M 2021, 'Determinants of unbearable suffering in hospice patients who died due to Euthanasia : A retrospective cohort study', Death studies, vol. 45, no. 6, pp. 451-458. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2019.1648338