Citation

Demedts D, Tricas-Sauras S, Bilsen J. Creat. Nurs. 2022; 28(1): 61-68.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Creative Nursing Management, Publisher Springer Publishing)

DOI

10.1891/CN-2021-0030

PMID

35173064

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study examines the attitudes, view of their future role, and knowledge of nursing students regarding euthanasia due to unbearable mental suffering (UMS euthanasia) in Belgium. Nurses have a key role in this situation at many levels. The practice of euthanasia is expanding globally and laws are changing, making more research essential.

METHOD: A cross-sectional design and online survey were used. All nursing students at a Belgian university college participated.

RESULTS: The majority of nursing students had a high degree of acceptance towards UMS euthanasia and highlighted their important role in the euthanasia decision-making process, but also reported a lack of knowledge and skills.

CONCLUSION: Nursing education at all levels needs to recognize this knowledge gap, taking into account the complexity and broader context of end-of-life care.

Language: en

Keywords

Attitude of Health Personnel; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Pilot Projects; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Surveys and Questionnaires; nursing students; *Euthanasia; *Students, Nursing; euthanasia; mental health nursing; unbearable mental suffering