Ported Patients’ Motives for Choices to Hasten Death by VSED (99 Patients) and Physician InvolvementCharacteristicPatient’s Motive Somatic Fatigue, common weakness Physical deterioration Pain Dyspnea Other physical symptoms Existential Suffering devoid of hope for improvement Tired of living Missing a goal in life Dependence Getting dependent Disability, immobility (Worry of) loss of autonomy Not wanting to be a burden on family any longer No longer being able to reside independently Loss of dignity, loss of self Loss of K858 cost dignity Cognitive decline or inability to communicate Social Loneliness Death of a loved a single Psychiatric suffering Depressive symptoms Fear, anxiety Physician’s involvement and attitude Physician had recommended the possibility of VSED for the patient Physician could agree with all the patient’s selection to hasten death by VSED Patient had requested for PAS 18 (11-27) 94 (87-97) 19 (12-28) 79 (70-86) 60 (50-69) 51 (41-60) 18 (11-26) 9 (5-17) 8 (4-16) 77 (68-85) 41 (32-51) 40 (32-51) 38 (29-48) 58 (48-67) 32 (23-42) 30 (22-40) 27 (19-36) 15 (9-24) 7 (3-14) 37 (28-47) 29 (21-39) 11 (6-19) 21 (14-30) 15 (9-24) eight (4-16) 14 (9-23) 13 (8-22) 3 (1-9)(95 CI)ECOG = Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; VSED = voluntary stopping of consuming and drinking. Note: Missing values ranged from 0.0 to 5.1 . Respondents could give a single or more answers. b 10 Neurologic disease, ten musculoskeletal or rheumatic disease, 9 cardiovascular illness, 7 respiratory disease, six sensory loss or basic decline, four discomfort syndrome, 3 diabetes, 4 other.aECOG efficiency status: (0) totally active; (1) restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory and capable to carry out light function; (2) ambulatory, capable of all self-care but unable to carry out perform activities; up and about additional than 50 of waking PubMed ID:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21310042 hours; (3) capable of only restricted self-care, confined to bedchair for extra than 50 of waking hours; (4) absolutely disabled, no self-care achievable, completely confined to bed or chair.c dTwo individuals had been not mentally competent: 1 had depression and 1 had depression and early-stage dementia.PAS = physician-assisted suicide; VSED = voluntary stopping of eating and drinking. Note: Missing values ranged from 2.0 to 4.0 .ANNALS O F Family members MEDICINEWWW.ANNFA MME D.O R GVO L. 13, N O.SE P T E MBE R O CTO BE RPAT I EN T S H A S T EN I N G D E AT HTable four. Characteristics of Preparation and Terminal Phases of VSED (96 Patients)CharacteristicPreparation phase Doctor was informed in the patient’s intention in advance Yes, by the patient Yes, by the patient’s proxy No, but the patient had stated that heshe didn’t wish to continue living No Doctor or proxy involvement No household physician or proxy Family members doctor (for guidance, assistance, or care)a In preparing for VSED Throughout the method of VSED Palliative sedation till death No Proxies a In preparing for VSED In the course of the method of VSED No Don’t know 44 (34-54) 53 (43-63) 28 (20-38) 3 (1-9) 16 (10-24)(95 CI)CharacteristicTerminal phase Symptoms inside the final 3 days just before deathb Yes None None (but palliative sedation was given) Do not know Symptoms reportedc,d Pain Fatigue Impaired cognitive functioning Thirst or dry throate Delirium Dyspnea Decreased consciousness Agitation Impaired communication Other f Physicians’ impression that dying approach went in accordance with the patient’s wish Yes Partly No If partly or no, purpose whyc Duration as well lengthy Patient preferred PAS Communication problems Inability to say goodbye Agit.
