Abstract
BackgroundIn the Netherlands during the past decade, a growing number of people with dementia requested euthanasia, and each year more of such requests were granted.AimTo obtain quantitative insights into the problems and needs of GPs when confronted with a euthanasia request by a person with dementia.Design & settingA concept survey was composed for GPs in the Netherlands. Expert validity of the survey was achieved through pilot testing.MethodA postal survey was sent to a random sample of 900 Dutch GPs, regardless of their opinion on, or practical experience with, euthanasia. Collected data were analysed with descriptive statistics.ResultsOf 894 GPs, 423 (47.3%) completed the survey, of whom 176 (41.6%) had experience with euthanasia requests from people with dementia. Emotional burden was reported most frequently (n = 86; 52.8%), as well as feeling uncertain about the mental competence of the person with dementia (n = 77; 47.2%), pressure by relatives (n = 70; 42.9%) or the person with dementia (n = 56; 34.4%), and uncertainty about handling advance euthanasia directives (AEDs) (n = 43; 26.4%). GPs would appreciate more support from the following: a support and consultation in euthanasia in the Netherlands (SCEN) physician (an independent physician for support, information, and formal consultation around euthanasia) (n = 291; 68. 8%); a geriatric consultation team (n = 185; 43.7%); the end-of-life clinic (n = 184; 43.5%); or a palliative care consultation team (n = 179; 42.3%). Surprisingly the need for moral deliberation was hardly mentioned.ConclusionThe reported burden and the rise in numbers and complexity of euthanasia requests from people with dementia warrants primary care support. There needs to be easier access to colleagues with expertise, and training on end-of-life care needs of patients with dementia and their caregivers.
Highlights
In the Netherlands during the past decade, a growing number of people with dementia requested euthanasia, and each year more of such requests were granted
There has been a gradual increase in legalisation on euthanasia in countries all over the world
This study provides quantitative insights into GPs’ burden and the need for support when dealing with euthanasia requests from people with dementia
Summary
In the Netherlands during the past decade, a growing number of people with dementia requested euthanasia, and each year more of such requests were granted. Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide have been legalised in a growing number of countries; the practices are still only legal in a small number of countries. In all countries where it is legalised, euthanasia primarily concerns patients with cancer. A recent interview study showed that these requests and procedures are burdensome for GPs; for example, they experience pressure from relatives, have problems judging the person with dementia's mental capacity, and have to deal with Dutch society’s stigmatisation of dementia.[6]
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