Oncologist’s vision toward euthanasia

Abstract

Introduction: The euthanasiaphenomenon is studied multidimensional by specialists of different areas, that’s why the opinion toward it are divergent: some of them tolerate it, others are categorically against it. The sensible approach of it derives from the type of situation referred to euthanasia: hopeless people to ever regain health at the terminal stage of their disease.

Aim: To determine the level of considering euthanasia as a method of treatment and oncologist opinion toward it.

Materials and methods: A sociological study regarding euthanasia was made that involved an amount of 70 oncologists of the Oncological Institute of Republic of Moldova.. Results: Analysis of the study sample showed that 64% of doctors (45) take euthanasia as an act of compassion, the remaining 34% (25) a crime. The answer to the question if they do agree to apply euthanasia in their patients was yes for 62% (43) and a strong no for 38% (28) of respondents, involving religious causes. Although, to support the legalization of euthanasia in our republic was the response of 63% of oncologists, only 2/3 of them 39% were ready to practice it; 47 % of them cannot see themselves doing and other 14% are unsure.

Conclusion: Although euthanasia is the cause of many disputes in the medical community and also society, it seems that in ourcountry the majority of oncologists have a vision pro euthanasia. In our opinion, this attitude could be explained by the specific of the oncological assistance – the permanent contact with patients that suffer from mostly incurable diseases.