Abstract:
Objectives: Relatives of patients who died after euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide (EAS) might need (specific) aftercare. We examined if and how physicians provide aftercare to bereaved relatives of patients who died after EAS, and which patient-, physician- and process characteristics are associated with providing aftercare. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 127 physicians (general practitioners, clinical specialists, and elderly care physicians) in the Netherlands. Associations were examined using multivariable logistic regression analyses. Results: Most physicians had had at least one follow-up conversation with bereaved relatives (77.2%). Clinical specialists less often provided aftercare compared to GPs. Also, aftercare was more often provided when the deceased had a cohabiting partner. Topics addressed during aftercare conversations included looking back on practical aspects of the EAS trajectory, the emotional experience of relatives during the EAS trajectory and relatives\' current mental wellbeing. A minority of aftercare conversations led to referral to additional care (6.3%). Conclusion: Aftercare conversations with a physician covering a wide-range of topics are likely to be valuable for all bereaved relatives, and not just for \"at risk\" populations typically targeted by policies and guidelines.
摘要:
目标:在安乐死或医生协助自杀(EAS)后死亡的患者的亲属可能需要(特定)护理。我们检查了医生是否以及如何为EAS后死亡的患者的亲人提供善后护理,哪个病人-,医生和过程特征与提供善后护理有关。方法:对127名医生(全科医生,临床专家,和老年护理医生)在荷兰。使用多变量逻辑回归分析检查关联。结果:大多数医生至少与失去亲人的亲属进行了一次随访对话(77.2%)。与全科医生相比,临床专家很少提供后期护理。此外,当死者有同居伴侣时,通常会提供善后护理。在善后对话中讨论的主题包括回顾EAS轨迹的实际方面,亲属在EAS轨迹中的情感体验和亲属当前的心理健康。少数善后对话导致转诊至额外护理(6.3%)。结论:与医生进行广泛主题的善后对话可能对所有失去亲人的亲戚都很有价值,而不仅仅是政策和指导方针通常针对的“处于危险之中”人群。