Ethical principles in end-of-life decisions in different European countries.
The majority of ICU deaths are preceded by a decision to limit treatment in some way. Decisions to withhold or withdraw treatment vary considerably depending on many factors including local practice, cultural and religious background, family and peer pressure. Here we will discuss the current situation across Europe, based on the findings from three large international studies.
Vincent
Jean-Louis
JL
Department of Intensive Care, Erasme Hospital, Free University of Brussels, Belgium. jlvincen@ulb.ac.be
D001293:Attitude to Death; D003469:Culture; D003657:Decision Making / Q000941:ethics*; D005060:Europe; D028601:Euthanasia, Active / Q000941:ethics; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000639:trends; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D012067:Religion; D012297:Right to Die / Q000941:ethics*; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000941:ethics; D028761:Withholding Treatment / Q000639:trends