Preferences of the Dutch general public for a good death and associations with attitudes towards end-of-life decision-making.
BACKGROUND
Euthanasia and other end-of-life decisions are acceptable to the large majority of the Dutch public. Insight in the relationships of such acceptance, with characteristics considered important for a 'good death', may contribute to the understanding of this liberal attitude.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to 1777 members of the Dutch public (response: 78%), containing questions relating to a good death, attitudes towards euthanasia, terminal sedation and increasing morphine, and demographics. Associations between characteristics of a good death and attitudes towards these end-of-life decisions were analysed.


RESULTS
Characteristics that were considered important for a good death were: the possibility to say goodbye to loved ones (94%), dying with dignity (92%), being able to decide about end-of-life care (88%), and dying free of pain (87%). Acceptance of euthanasia, terminal sedation and increasing morphine were related to the wish to have a dignified death, and with concerns about burdening relatives with terminal care. Acceptance of euthanasia was also associated with the wish to be able to decide about medical end-of-life treatments and about the moment of death.


CONCLUSIONS
Besides saying farewell and dying pain free and with dignity, many members of the Dutch public consider values of control and maintenance of independence as important for a good death.
Rietjens
Judith A C
JA
Department of Public Health, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.rietjens@erasmusmc.nl
van der Heide
Agnes
A
Onwuteaka-Philipsen
Bregje D
BD
van der Maas
Paul J
PJ
van der Wal
Gerrit
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001293:Attitude to Death; D003657:Decision Making / Q000187:drug effects; D005065:Euthanasia / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011639:Public Opinion; D012297:Right to Die; D017236:Suicide, Assisted / Q000941:ethics / Q000523:psychology; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000941:ethics / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology