Euthanasia: Critical Analysis of Research on Healthcare Professionals

This assignment provides a comprehensive analysis of two research articles focusing on euthanasia. The first study, published in 2015, explores the perceptions of Finnish registered nurses regarding euthanasia, highlighting their concerns and ethical dilemmas while acknowledging the potential benefits of legalization, such as improving the ability to assist patients in agony. The second study, a systematic review from 2014, investigates the motivations of physicians and nurses to practice voluntary euthanasia, identifying conflicts and ethical considerations. The analysis critically examines the methodology, strengths, and limitations of each study, including biases, study design, and the scope of research. Both studies contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding euthanasia, providing valuable insights into the perspectives of healthcare professionals and the ethical considerations involved in end-of-life care.

Running head: EUTHENESIA
EUTHENESIA
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
Author’s note

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The first resource
Terkamo-Moisio, A., Kvist, T., & Pietilä, A. M. (2015). Multifaceted nature of euthanasia:
perceptions of Finnish registered nurses. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing, 17(2), 105-
112.
Summary of the study:
The study aimed to contribute to the debate which suggested that nurses rarely explored
the concepts and perception of euthanasia and it’s legalization in Finland. The researchers
conducted semi-structured interviews with 17 registered nurses between November 2012 and
January 2013 and analyzed it by inductive content analysis. The result of the study highlighted
that registered nurses reported certain concerns which arise from a lack of reliable information
regarding euthanasia. It further affected their decision of undertaking euthanasia as they
experience an ethical dilemma regarding this act in the clinical study. However, improving the
ability of nurses to assists patients in agony is considered as the major reason behind the
legalization of euthanasia.
Critically analysis of the article:
The article is recent as it was published in 2015
The information of the article is recent as the interview was conducted between
November 2012 and January 2013.
No biases had been reflected in the content as it provided the details of conflicts
experienced by nurses and provided the positive outcome of legalization. “Drifting toward a

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“slippery slope” was considered the biggest risk while improving the ability to help patients in
agony was regarded as a potentially positive outcome of the legalization of euthanasia” is the
example of quote which reflects unbiased argument in the study.
The strength of the article highlighted in the study design as researchers conducted a
semi-structured interview, which is most suitable method for obtaining detailed information
about personal feelings and opinions. “Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17
registered nurses between November 2012 and January 2013 and analyzed by inductive content
analysis” is the example of quote which highlighted the strength of the study.
The limitation of the article is lack of quantitative data regarding the attitude of the nurses
towards euthanasia. “The results of this study highlight a need for more qualitative and
quantitative research concerning nurses’ attitudes toward euthanasia.” is the example of quote
which highlighted the limitation of the study.
Second resources
Vézina-Im, L. A., Lavoie, M., Krol, P., & Olivier-D’Avignon, M. (2014). Motivations of
physicians and nurses to practice voluntary euthanasia: a systematic review. BMC palliative care,
13(1), 20.
Summary of the article:

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The aim of the study is to identify the motivation of physicians and nurses for performing an
act of voluntary euthanasia. The researchers conducted a systematic review of 27 quantitative
studies and five studies out of these studies highlighted the legalization of the euthanasia. The
result of the study highlighted that majority of the health professional experienced conflicts and
ethical dilemma regarding euthanasia and the motive behind choosing the euthanasia is to reduce
agony and pain if the patients who are experiencing hardships of life. They tend to involve in the
act when patients are not suffering from depression and short life spans.
Analysis of article:
The article is recent as it was published in 2014
The information of the article is recent as the papers published after 2012 were included
in the study.
No biases had been reflected in the content as the researcher’s conducted a systematic
review from different studies. “Five studies were in countries where euthanasia is legal and 22 in
countries where it is not. Seventeen studies were targeting physicians, 9 targeted nurses and 1
both health professionals:” is the example of the quote which provided the details that this study
has undertaken a diverse range of research from different states.
The strength of the article highlighted in the study design as the researchers conducted a
systematic review for identifying the motivation of the researchers which is a level I evidence.
“The objective of the present systematic review was to identify physicians’ and nurses’ motives
for having the intention or for performing an act of voluntary euthanasia and compare findings
from countries where the practice is legalized to those where it is not” is the example of quote
which highlighted the strength of the study.

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The limitation of the article is that limited study was included regarding the motivation of
nurses and countries where euthanasia is legal. “Additional studies among nurses and in
countries where euthanasia is legal are needed.” is the example of quote which highlighted the
limitation of the study.

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Bibliography:
Terkamo-Moisio, A., Kvist, T., & Pietilä, A. M. (2015). Multifaceted nature of euthanasia:
perceptions of Finnish registered nurses. Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing, 17(2),
105-112.
Vézina-Im, L. A., Lavoie, M., Krol, P., & Olivier-D’Avignon, M. (2014). Motivations of
physicians and nurses to practice voluntary euthanasia: a systematic review. BMC
palliative care, 13(1), 20.