The changing attitudes of physicians toward prolonging life.
This follow-up survey of physicians' attitudes and practices reveals a changing approach toward the care of terminal patients. It shows that: 1) communication with dying patients is becoming more open, 2) support for the omission of life-prolonging treatments is increasing, and 3) opposition to the use of death-hastening measures remains strong. It indicates that the physician's experience with terminal patients and the setting of his practice influence his attitude towards these patients and the approach to treatment.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D030881:Disclosure; D005065:Euthanasia; D028601:Euthanasia, Active; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care; D012803:Sick Role; D013337:Students, Medical; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000639:trends*; D028761:Withholding Treatment