Psychosocial determinants of physicians' intention to practice euthanasia in palliative care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Euthanasia remains controversial in Canada and an issue of debate among physicians. Most studies have explored the opinion of health professionals regarding its legalization, but have not investigated their intentions when faced with performing euthanasia. These studies are also considered atheoretical. The purposes of the present study were to fill this gap in the literature by identifying the psychosocial determinants of physicians' intention to practice euthanasia in palliative care and verifying whether respecting the patient's autonomy is important for physicians.

Methods

A validated anonymous questionnaire based on an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behavior was mailed to a random sample of 445 physicians from the province of Quebec, Canada.

Res

SUBMITTER: Lavoie M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4417253 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature