Affiliation:
1. Bradbury Hospice, Shatin, Hong Kong; University of Wales Swansea Clinical School, Wales, UK
2. Primary Care Research Group, University of Wales Swansea Clinical School, Wales, UK
Abstract
This study aimed to better understand the meaning of desire for euthanasia. An hermeneutic approach was undertaken using a purposively selected sample of advanced cancer patients who desired euthanasia while receiving palliative care. Unstructured interviews were conducted with six participants, which were audiotaped, transcribed and analysed. This approach allowed in-depth exploration and interpretation of the patients' lived experience. The findings illustrated a timeline from previous wellness to approaching death with five major themes: (1) reality, (2) perception, (3) anticipation, (4) desire and (5) holding environment. The desire for euthanasia is not confined to physical or psychosocial concerns relating to advanced cancer, but incorporates hidden existential yearnings for connectedness, care and respect, understood within the context of the patients' lived experience. Euthanasia requests cannot be taken at face value but require in-depth exploration of their covert meaning, in order to ensure that the patients' needs are being addressed adequately.
Subject
Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine,General Medicine
Reference33 articles.
1. Why active euthanasia and physician assisted suicide should be legalised
2. House of Lords Patient Assisted Dying Bill [HL] 2003 London; HMSO [Online] Available at: http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/ld200203/ldbills/037/2003037.htm
3. Competent Care for the Dying Instead of Physician-Assisted Suicide
4. Desire for death in the terminally ill
Cited by
51 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献