Physicians and euthanasia: a Canadian print-media discourse analysis of physician perspectives.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Recent events in Canada have mobilized public debate concerning the controversial issue of euthanasia. Physicians represent an essential stakeholder group with respect to the ethics and practice of euthanasia. Further, their opinions can hold sway with the public, and their public views about this issue may further reflect back upon the medical profession itself.

Methods

We conducted a discourse analysis of print media on physicians' perspectives about end-of-life care. Print media, in English and French, that appeared in Canadian newspapers from 2008 to 2012 were retrieved through a systematic database search. We analyzed the content of 285 articles either authored by a physician or directly referencing a physician's perspective.

Results

We identified 3 pr

SUBMITTER: Wright DK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4565169 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature