A scoping review of healthcare professionals on assisted dying in dementia: Presenting nurses’ perceptions and experiences

IF 1.6 4区医学 Q2 NURSING

Collegian Pub Date : 2024-12-01 DOI:10.1016/j.colegn.2024.09.003

Ella M. Tomkins , Amanda Fox

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Dementia presents a complex challenge marked by cognitive decline and distressing symptoms, yet there is no cure. While access to assisted dying is expanding in many countries, many exclude those with dementia. If policymakers consider extending this option to people with dementia, understanding stakeholder views is crucial.

Aim

To explore healthcare professionals’ experiences and perceptions of assisted dying for people with dementia and to identify gaps in the evidence that will inform future research.

Methods

A search was conducted across five databases and grey literature, screening records against inclusion criteria. Seven relevant records were included for analysis.

Results

A total of 37 articles were found for review. Findings indicate a lack of understanding regarding healthcare professionals’ perspectives on assisted dying. Existing research predominantly focuses on physicians, with limited attention to nurses and even less on dementia-specific cases. A total of seven articles reported healthcare professionals other than physicians. Because of the lack of information available, this report has focused on this area. Key factors shaping nurses’ views include personal values, decision-making principles, background, and patient-centred care focus. While evidence is scant, there appears to be a growing acceptance of assisted dying among nurses over time.

Conclusions

There is a dearth of knowledge on perceptions and experiences regarding assisted dying for patients with dementia. Further primary research is crucial to inform healthcare systems and policymakers contemplating changes to assisted dying legislation or its introduction.

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来源期刊

Collegian NURSING-

CiteScore

2.70

自引率

6.70%

发文量

127

审稿时长

72 days

期刊介绍： Collegian: The Australian Journal of Nursing Practice, Scholarship and Research is the official journal of Australian College of Nursing (ACN). The journal aims to reflect the broad interests of nurses and the nursing profession, and to challenge nurses on emerging areas of interest. It publishes research articles and scholarly discussion of nursing practice, policy and professional issues. Papers published in the journal are peer reviewed by a double blind process using reviewers who meet high standards of academic and clinical expertise. Invited papers that contribute to nursing knowledge and debate are published at the discretion of the Editor. The journal, online only from 2016, is available to members of ACN and also by separate subscription. ACN believes that each and every nurse in Australia should have the opportunity to grow their career through quality education, and further our profession through representation. ACN is the voice of influence, providing the nursing expertise and experience required when government and key stakeholders are deciding the future of health.