Nursing Students’ Attitudes, Future Role, and Knowledge Regarding Euthanasia Due to Unbearable Mental Suffering
A Single-Site Pilot Study
- Demedts, Dennis MSc, RN
- Tricas-Sauras, Sandra PhD, RN
- Bilsen, Johan PhD, RN
Correspondence regarding this article should be directed to Dennis Demedts at [email protected]
Dennis Demedts, MSc, RN, (he/him), graduated in 2003 as a bachelor in psychiatric nursing and in 2011 as a Master of Sciences in nursing. He has worked as a registered psychiatric nurse in various nursing departments. Currently he is a lecturer, researcher, and doctoral student. His focus is primarily on nursing, end-of-lifecare, mental health, and simulation.
Sandra Tricas-Sauras, PhD, RN, (she/her), is a Mental Health lecturer and researcher from Spain. She graduated from the University of Navarra (BSc) and continued her studies at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (MSc and MSc by Research). She obtained her PhD in 2008. She has been based in Brussels since 2012.
Johan Bilsen, PhD, RN, (he/him), is head of the Department of Public Health, and head of the Mental Health and Wellbeing research group at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, and vice-president of the Public Mental Health section of the European Public Health Association. He is doctor in social health sciences, master in management and policy of healthcare, registered psychiatric nurse and psychotherapist.
Background
This study examines the attitudes, view of their future role, and knowledge of nursing students regarding euthanasia due to unbearable mental suffering (UMS euthanasia) in Belgium. Nurses have a key role in this situation at many levels. The practice of euthanasia is expanding globally and laws are changing, making more research essential.
Method
A cross-sectional design and online survey were used. All nursing students at a Belgian university college participated.
Results
The majority of nursing students had a high degree of acceptance towards UMS euthanasia and highlighted their important role in the euthanasia decision-making process, but also reported a lack of knowledge and skills.
Conclusion
Nursing education at all levels needs to recognize this knowledge gap, taking into account the complexity and broader context of end-of-life care.