1. Physician-Assisted Suicide Desirae Naessens NURS 450
Study Approach
Qualitative descriptive design
Collect data from many different patients who choose the Death with Dignity act in Oregon and patients who are letting death occur naturally about their quality of life and how they are choosing to live the end of their lives
Individual interviews and interviews with patients families
Need for Research
Few nurses know what role they play in Death with Dignity
More states are legalizing physician-assisted suicide
Research Question
Among nurses who care for terminally-ill individuals, how does the choice of physician-assisted suicide over natural death, impact their patients’ quality of life?
Potential Problems & Limitations
ANA standpoint
Nurse’s have their own beliefs on issue and choose not to participate
Patients and families not wanting their last days of life to be consumed with interviews and questions
Research Implications & Importance to Nursing Practice
Raise awareness
Encourage nurses to advocate for their patients no matter what their choice is
Decrease ethical debate
Assure nurses of their role in this end of life care