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17.05.2024 | Review article

Patients’ and caregivers’ attitudes towards patient assisted suicide or euthanasia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-a meta-analysis

verfasst von: Ioannis Mavroudis, Pavlina Alexiou, Foivos Petridis, Alin Ciobica, Ioana Miruna Balmus, Bogdan Gireadă, Irina Luciana Gurzu, Otilia Novac, Bogdan Novac

Erschienen in: Acta Neurologica Belgica

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Abstract

Assisted suicide and euthanasia are long debated topics in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients care. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the attitudes of ALS patients and their caregivers toward physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and euthanasia. Also, we were interested to identify the factors associated with the positive or negative attitude of patients and caregivers towards PAS/euthanasia. A thorough search of the online databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) was conducted and eligibility criteria according to the PRISMA guidelines were used to include the studies in the current meta-analysis. The assessment of the quality of the selected studies was carried out using a pre-specified set of criteria by Cochrane. The studies that were selected for this meta-analysis suggested that the expression of the wish to die is more likely correlated with depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and lack of optimism. The overall prevalence of considering PAS/euthanasia significantly varies in a dependent manner over the cultural, legal, and societal factors. In this context, we found that the opinion on this topic can be deeply personal and may vary widely among individuals and communities. Lower quality of life and lower religiosity were associated with a positive attitude toward PAS/euthanasia. On the other hand, patients who are more religious are less likely to choose PAS/euthanasia. Gender does not appear to play a significant role in determining attitudes towards PAS/euthanasia in ALS patients. Other factors, such as education and psychological state, could also be important. In conclusion, end-of-life decisions in ALS patients are complex and require careful consideration of individual values, beliefs, and preferences. Understanding the factors that influence a patient's attitude towards PAS/euthanasia can help healthcare providers to offer appropriate care and support for these patients and their families.

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Titel: Patients’ and caregivers’ attitudes towards patient assisted suicide or euthanasia in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-a meta-analysis
verfasst von: Ioannis Mavroudis
Pavlina Alexiou
Foivos Petridis
Alin Ciobica
Ioana Miruna Balmus
Bogdan Gireadă
Irina Luciana Gurzu
Otilia Novac
Bogdan Novac
Publikationsdatum: 17.05.2024
Verlag: Springer International Publishing
Erschienen in: Acta Neurologica Belgica
Print ISSN: 0300-9009
Elektronische ISSN: 2240-2993
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13760-024-02578-x

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