TY - JOUR
T1 - Communication about euthanasia in Dutch nursing homes
AU - Rikmenspoel, Marjolein J. H. T.
AU - de Boer, Fijgje
AU - Onwuteaka-Philipsen, Bregje D.
AU - Pasman, H. Roeline W.
AU - Widdershoven, Guy A. M.
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
PY - 2024
Y1 - 2024
N2 - In this research, we explore how competent nursing home residents in the Netherlands experience communication about euthanasia. Interviews were conducted with 15 nursing home residents. Three themes were found during data analysis: 1) The possibility to discuss euthanasia; 2) Interaction and 3) Anticipating the future. Whether or not euthanasia was discussed was influenced by the openness of the resident and the accessibility and openness of their medical practitioner. Important factors mentioned by respondents regarding interaction were the level of connectedness with others, the feeling of being understood and one’s own firmness in holding on to the option of euthanasia in the future. Regarding anticipating the future, respondents felt reassured in having an advance directive. They expressed a lack of certainty whether the medical practitioner would be willing to eventually perform euthanasia. As a practical implication, ACP may provide a pathway for improvement of communication about euthanasia with competent residents.
AB - In this research, we explore how competent nursing home residents in the Netherlands experience communication about euthanasia. Interviews were conducted with 15 nursing home residents. Three themes were found during data analysis: 1) The possibility to discuss euthanasia; 2) Interaction and 3) Anticipating the future. Whether or not euthanasia was discussed was influenced by the openness of the resident and the accessibility and openness of their medical practitioner. Important factors mentioned by respondents regarding interaction were the level of connectedness with others, the feeling of being understood and one’s own firmness in holding on to the option of euthanasia in the future. Regarding anticipating the future, respondents felt reassured in having an advance directive. They expressed a lack of certainty whether the medical practitioner would be willing to eventually perform euthanasia. As a practical implication, ACP may provide a pathway for improvement of communication about euthanasia with competent residents.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85191312046&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/07481187.2024.2330011
DO - 10.1080/07481187.2024.2330011
M3 - Article
C2 - 38662630
SN - 0748-1187
JO - Death Studies
JF - Death Studies
ER -