| Attitudes toward Euthanasia among Physicians and Nurses |
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Sook Nam Kim |
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Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Catholic University of Pusan |
| 의사와 간호사의 안락사에 대한 태도 |
|
김숙남 |
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부산가톨릭대학교 간호대학 부교수 |
Correspondence:
Sook Nam Kim, Tel: 82-51-510-0727, Fax: 82-51-510-0747,
Email: snkim@cup.ac.kr
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Received: 13 May 2009 • Revised: 12 June 2009 • Accepted: 12 June 2009 |
| Abstract |
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to investigate the attitudes of physicians and nurses toward euthanasia.
Methods
The participants were 276 physicians and nurses working at general hospitals. Data was collected in October and November 2008. The measurement tool used was Attitudes Toward Euthanasia by Wasserman, Clair, & Ritchey (2005). The data was analyzed according to descriptive statistics, t-test, and one-way ANOVA with the SPSS/WIN 14.0 program.
Results
The highest score item was when a patient needs euthanasia in the process of dying, a doctor can help the patient die by removing a device to continue his life. The lowest score item for physicians was when a patient's pain is severe, a doctor can administer an excessive dose to bring the patient's life to an end. The lowest score item for nurses was 'when it is judged that a patient doesn't have the possibility to recover, a doctor can administer an excessive dose to bring the patient's life to an end.
Conclusion
Physicians and nurses should be encouraged to treat moral issues about patients in the terminal stages more sensitively by emphasizing the dignity of life and establishing an compassionate attitude toward euthanasia. |
| Key Words:
Euthanasia; Attitude; Physician; Nurse |
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