Journal Scans
Process and Outcomes of Euthanasia Requests Under the Belgian Act on Euthanasia: A Nationwide Survey
Process and Outcomes of Euthanasia Requests in Belgium
Y Van Wesemael, J Cohen, J Bilsen, T Smets, B Onwuteaka-Philipsen, L Deliens
20110416
2011 May 16
J Pain Symptom Manage
Process and Outcomes of Euthanasia Requests Under the Belgian Act on Euthanasia: A Nationwide Survey
J Pain Symptom Manage. 2011 May 16;[Epub Ahead of Print], Y Van Wesemael, J Cohen, J Bilsen, T Smets, B Onwuteaka-Philipsen, L Deliens
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
Abstract
Abstract
Context: Since 2002, the administration of a lethal drug by a physician at the explicit request of the patient has been legal in Belgium. The incidence of euthanasia in Belgium has been studied, but the process and outcomes of euthanasia requests have not been investigated. Objectives: To describe which euthanasia requests were granted, withdrawn, and rejected since the enactment of the euthanasia law in terms of the characteristics of the patient, treating physician, and aspects of the consultation...
