Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/193261

Title

Investigating euthanasia: methodological, ethical and clinical considerations

Author(s)

Kristjanson, Linda J.;  Christakis, Nicholas

Abstract

In summary, both of these unique papers tackle new territory and have important limitations. These limits have been openly articulated so that the reader can consider the work in light of the methodological qualification and ethical conundrums that are often found in this type of research. Studies of such a difficult topic as euthanasia can lead to statistically and ethically suboptimal research designs and uncertain results. However, these results raise important questions of a substantive and methodological nature and underscore the challenges for others in studying euthanasia. The questions raised in these two studies may prompt more reflective palliative care practice as we think hard about how we might respond with more specificity, purpose and energy to address issues of concern that may prompt these types of requests from our patients and their families. And they may promote more refined research approaches, seeking to address the methodological challenges and ethical requirements of clinical research at the end of life.

Publication type

Journal article

Source

Palliative Medicine, Vol. 19, no. 8 (Dec 2005), pp. 575-577

Publication year

2005

FOR Code(s)

1117 Public Health and Health Services

Keyword(s)

Cancer palliative therapy;  Cultural factors;  Disease severity;  Distress syndrome;  Environmental factors;  Euthanasia;  Health care policy;  Informed consent;  Medical decision making;  Medical ethics;  Palliative care;  Patient autonomy;  Terminal illness

Publisher

Sage

ISSN

0269-2163

Publisher URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1191/0269216305pm1088xx

Copyright

Copyright © 2005 Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd.

Peer reviewed