ArticlePalliative care and social practice2022
Understanding why patients request euthanasia when it is illegal: a qualitative study in palliative care units on the personal and practical impact of euthanasia requests.
Article in Palliative care and social practice, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.
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Who cites it
3 citing papers in PubMed.
- ["Everything was both very fast and very slow at the same time": heterochronic experiences of healthcare professionals in the provision of aid in dying in Spain].Salud colectiva · 2026Article
- Requesting euthanasia or assisted suicide when it is illegal: a qualitative study about relatives' experiences of patients hospitalized in French Palliative Care Units.Palliative care and social practice · 2024Article
- Voluntary Assisted Dying/Euthanasia: Will This Have an Impact on Cancer Care in Future Years?Current treatment options in oncology · 2023Review
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Authors and funding
8 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
contextSome patients in palliative care units request euthanasia regardless of legislation. Although studies have explored the reasons for these requests, little is known about the subjective, relational, and contextual repercussions for the patient.
objectivesThe aim of this study is to understand the purpose of euthanasia requests from the patient's viewpoint and their personal and practical impact.
methodsWe conducted in-depth interviews with patients requesting euthanasia, their family members, and health care providers in 11 French palliative care units. A thematic analysis of the data was performed.
resultsIn total, 18 patients were interviewed within 48 h of the request being made; 1 week later, 9 patients were interviewed again. Five main themes emerged: assuming the possibility of transgressing the forbidden, a call for unbearable suffering to be recognized, encouragement to change clinical practice, reclaiming a sense of freedom over medical constraints, and imagining a desirable future for oneself.
conclusionsA request for euthanasia appears to be a willful means to remove oneself from the impasse of an existence paralyzed by suffering. It creates a space for discussion, which promotes negotiation with patients on care practices and therapeutics, and strengthens patients' sense of autonomy. Investigating the relationship between the evolution of euthanasia requests within the palliative care setting could be beneficial. It is important to encourage health care professionals to adopt a readiness to listen by interacting with patients in a way that is not momentarily action-oriented but rather focused on proactive discussion.
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