Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 13, 1055-1061, Copyright © 1995 by American Society of Clinical Oncology
Attitudes and behaviors on physician-assisted death: a study of Michigan oncologists
DJ Doukas, D Waterhouse, DW Gorenflo and J Seid
Department of Family Practice, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA.
PURPOSE: To ascertain the attitudes of oncologists toward physician-
assisted death, ie, physician-assisted suicide and active euthanasia, as
well as their experiences with these activities and their opinions toward
their legalization. METHODS: A survey was mailed to all practicing 250
oncologists in the state of Michigan, with subsequent development of
psychometric scales and their correlation with self- reported behaviors in
physician-assisted death. RESULTS: Analysis revealed five distinct,
meaningful factors regarding approval or disapproval of physician-assisted
death. These factors reflected global attitudes toward physician-assisted
death, passive euthanasia, philosophical prohibitions toward
physician-assisted death, concerns of legal consequences with
physician-assisted death, and attitudes that physician-assisted death could
be avoided with better end-of-life care (alpha = .94, .74, .76, .87, and
.84, respectively). High levels of therapy withdrawal were reported (81%),
with significant reservations toward assisted suicide and active
euthanasia, although reported participation in such actions was noteworthy
(18% and 4%, respectively). The scales reflecting global and philosophical
attitudes correlated with several attitudes and behaviors toward physician-
assisted death (P < .001). Legislation that would allow physician-
assisted death was favored by 20.8% of respondents. CONCLUSION: Although
they have reservations about physician-assisted death, significant numbers
of oncologists are willing to consider such actions should they become
legal. Given the substantial number of physicians who report that they have
already participated in physician-assisted death, these findings may help
better understand the attitudes that motivate physician behaviors toward
assisted death.
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