Content analysis of euthanasia policies of nursing homes in Flanders (Belgium).
OBJECTIVE
To describe the form and content of ethics policies on euthanasia in Flemish nursing homes and to determine the possible influence of religious affiliation on policy content.


METHODS
Content analysis of euthanasia policy documents.


RESULTS
Of the 737 nursing homes we contacted, 612 (83%) completed and returned the questionnaire. Of 92 (15%) nursing homes that reported to have a euthanasia policy, 85 (92%) provided a copy of their policy. Nursing homes applied the euthanasia law with additional palliative procedures and interdisciplinary deliberations. More Catholic nursing homes compared to non-Catholic nursing homes did not permit euthanasia. Policies described several phases of the euthanasia care process as well as involvement of caregivers, patients, and relatives; ethical issues; support for caregivers; reporting; and procedures for handling advance directives.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study revealed that euthanasia requests from patients are seriously considered in euthanasia policies of nursing homes, with great attention for palliative care and interdisciplinary cooperation.
Lemiengre
Joke
J
Centre for Biomedical Ethics and Law, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. Joke.Lemiengre@med.kuleuven.be
Dierckx de Casterlé
Bernadette
B
Denier
Yvonne
Y
Schotsmans
Paul
P
Gastmans
Chris
C
D016223:Advance Directives; D001530:Belgium; D005065:Euthanasia; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D018447:Medical Futility / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010166:Palliative Care; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence