Physicians' Experiences with the Oregon Death with Dignity Act

Ganzini, Linda; Nelson, Heidi D; Schmidt, Terri A.; Kraemer, Dale F.; Delorit, Molly A.; Lee, Melinda A.

doi:10.1056/nejm200002243420806

Cited by 311 publications

(262 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…The authors concluded that behind each decision and request for euthanasia lay 'hidden existential yearnings for connectedness, care, and respect'. Other similar studies [3,63,64] conducted in Canada and the United States have found that the WTHD becomes less strong when the patient perceives a degree of hope in the treatment and care being received.…”

Section: Temporal Stability Of the Wthdmentioning

confidence: 99%

The wish to hasten death: a review of clinical studies

et al. 2010

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It is common for patients who are faced with physical or psychological suffering, particularly those in the advanced stages of a disease, to have some kind of wish to hasten death (WTHD). This paper reviews and summarises the current state of knowledge about the WTHD among people with end-stage disease, doing so from a clinical perspective and on the basis of published clinical research. Studies were identified through a search strategy applied to the main scientific databases.Clinical studies show that the WTHD has a multi-factor aetiology. The literature review suggests-perhaps in line with better management of physical pain-that psychological and spiritual aspects, including social factors, are the most important cause of such a wish. One of the difficulties facing clinical research is the lack of terminological and conceptual precision in defining the construct. Indeed, studies frequently blur the distinction between a generic wish to die, a WTDH (whether sporadic or persistent over time), the explicit expression of a wish to die, and a request for euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide.A notable contribution to knowledge in this field has been made by scales designed to evaluate the WTHD, although the problems of conceptual definition may once again limit the conclusions, which can be drawn from the results. Studies using qualitative methodology have also provided new information that can help in understanding such wishes.Further clinical research is needed to provide a complete understanding of this phenomenon and to foster the development of suitable care plans.

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Section: Temporal Stability Of the Wthdmentioning

confidence: 99%

The wish to hasten death: a review of clinical studies

et al. 2010

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“…11 Family members did not endorse the importance of any of these factors, consistent with the findings of other studies. [2][3][4][5]16 . It is true,…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…1 Because PAD is rare, most information about individuals who have received prescriptions for lethal medications under the law has come through health care professionals, including physicians and hospice workers who have cared for requesting patients. [2][3][4][5] Oregon health care professionals generally agree that patients make these requests in an attempt to maintain control and diminish dependence on others. Health professionals, however, may lack intimate knowledge of the requesting patient's reasons and values.…”

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confidence: 99%

Why Oregon Patients Request Assisted Death: Family Members’ Views

2007

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“…1 In a survey conducted two years after the Death with Dignity Act took effect, physicians reported very few requests under the law, and 46 % of patients who made a request changed their minds after physician interventions. 2 Oregon continues to rank among the top states in the country in the provision of excellent palliative care, 3 and utilization of the Death with Dignity Act remains low.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%