One third of physicians discuss exit strategies with patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Results from nationwide surveys among German and Polish neurologists.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This paper examines neurologists' approaches to exit strategies (ESs), such as euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (PALS) in two European countries.

Methods

In a nationwide anonymous survey, we collected responses from 237 Polish and 228 German neurologists, focusing on their practices and beliefs about ESs, as well as their viewpoints on life-sustaining measures (LSMs) (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, non-invasive, and invasive ventilation). To analyze the data, we employed statistical methods, including Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, chi-square tests, Spearman's rank correlation, and multiple regression analysis.

Results

One third of the neurologists initiated the discussion about ESs with PALS. H

SUBMITTER: Barc K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10897500 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature