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Erschienen in:
01.03.2010 | Original Article
End-of-life research on patients’ attitudes in Germany: a feasibility study
Erschienen in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Ausgabe 3/2010
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Introduction
So far, hardly any experience exists whether end-of-life research on patients’ attitudes towards hastened death in Germany is feasible and how it is perceived by the patients.
Materials and methods
During the initial phase of a validation study of the German version of the Schedule of Attitudes towards Hastened Death, we documented reasons for non-inclusion.
Results and discussion
Of 124 patients seen on the participating palliative care units, 18 (15%) were finally included in the study. Reasons for non-inclusion were mainly due to the clinical status of the patients; the German specific history of involuntary euthanasia during the Nazi regime did not prevent patients to participate.
Conclusion
We conclude that end-of-life research in Germany is indeed feasible, however, faces difficulties similar to the international experience.