SURVEY OF APM MEMBERS VIEWS ON EUTHANASIA/PHYSICIAN
ASSISTED SUICIDE
SUMMER 2003
Question 1
Do you believe that the interests of patients
with advanced incurable progressive diseases would be better served
were legislation to be enacted to permit
| (a) euthanasia?
|
| Yes 42 = 7% | No 565 = 92.6%
| not sure 3 = 0.4% |
| | |
|
| (b) physician assisted suicide?
|
| Yes 48 = 8% | No 557 = 91.7%
| not sure = 0.3% |
Question 2
How many patients in an average year make a rational persistent
request for you to end their lives?
|
| 140 replied | 0 requests for euthanasia
| 23% |
|
| 193 | 1
| or | <1
| " | 32%
|
| 108 | 2
| | | "
| 18% |
| 47 | 3
| or | <3
| " | 8%
|
| 25 | 4
| or | <4
| " | 4%
|
| 51 | 5
| or | <5
| " | 8%
|
| 9 | 6
| | | "
| 1.4% |
| 6 | 7
| | | "
| 1% |
| 1 | 9
| | | "
| 0.1% |
| 14 | 10
| | | "
| 3% |
| 6 | 12
| | | "
| 1% |
| 1 | 15
| | | "
| 0.1% |
| 3 | 20
| | | "
| 0.3% |
| 1 | 50
| | | "
| 0.1% |
|
Question 3
If euthanasia/physician assisted suicide were to be legalized
in the UK which of the following groups do you think would be
most appropriate to perform it? Please tick one
| The doctor looking after the patient at the time
| 107 = 18% of those who answered question, 17.5% of total responses
|
| Another doctor not involved in the patients clinical care at the time
| 191 = 33% of those who answered question, 31% of total responses
|
| Someone who is not a doctor but has specific training for the job
| 286 = 49% of those who answered question, 47% of total responses
|
Question 4
If euthanasia /PAS was legalized and Palliative Care Specialists
were asked to be part of the assessment process, would you be
prepared to participate?
| Yes | 154 = 28% of those who answered question, 25% of total responses
|
| No | 394 = 72% of those who answered question, 65% of total responses
|
|
