Medical assistance in dying for people living with mental disorders: a qualitative thematic review
Abstract Background Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) sparks debate in several countries, some of which allow or plan to allow MAiD where a mental disorder is the sole underlying medical condition (MAiD-MD). Since MAiD-MD is becoming permissible in a growing number of jurisdictions, there is a need...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-10-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Ethics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-023-00971-4 |
| _version_ | 1797451527061766144 |
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| author | Caroline Favron-Godbout Eric Racine |
| author_facet | Caroline Favron-Godbout Eric Racine |
| author_sort | Caroline Favron-Godbout |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) sparks debate in several countries, some of which allow or plan to allow MAiD where a mental disorder is the sole underlying medical condition (MAiD-MD). Since MAiD-MD is becoming permissible in a growing number of jurisdictions, there is a need to better understand the moral concerns related to this option. Gaining a better understanding of the moral concerns at stake is a first step towards identifying ways of addressing them so that MAiD-MD can be successfully introduced and implemented, where legislations allow it. Methods Thus, this article aims (1) to better understand the moral concerns regarding MAiD-MD, and (2) to identify potential solutions to promote stakeholders’ well-being. A qualitative thematic review was undertaken, which used systematic keyword-driven search and thematic analysis of content. Seventy-four publications met the inclusion criteria. Results Various moral concerns and proposed solutions were identified and are related to how MAiD-MD is introduced in 5 contexts: (1) Societal context, (2) Healthcare system, (3) Continuum of care, (4) Discussions on the option of MAiD-MD, (5) MAiD-MD practices. We propose this classification of the identified moral concerns because it helps to better understand the various facets of discomfort experienced with MAiD-MD. In so doing, it also directs the various actions to be taken to alleviate these discomforts and promote the well-being of stakeholders. Conclusion The assessment of MAiD-MD applications, which is part of the context of MAiD-MD practices, emerges as the most widespread source of concern. Addressing the moral concerns arising in the five contexts identified could help ease concerns regarding the assessment of MAiD-MD. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T14:55:56Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-34a0955016804616bf5077f2ab26623f |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-6939 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T14:55:56Z |
| publishDate | 2023-10-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Ethics |
| spelling | doaj.art-34a0955016804616bf5077f2ab26623f2023-11-26T14:10:06ZengBMCBMC Medical Ethics1472-69392023-10-0124111310.1186/s12910-023-00971-4Medical assistance in dying for people living with mental disorders: a qualitative thematic reviewCaroline Favron-Godbout0Eric Racine1Pragmatic Health Ethics Research Unit, Montreal Clinical Research InstitutePragmatic Health Ethics Research Unit, Montreal Clinical Research InstituteAbstract Background Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) sparks debate in several countries, some of which allow or plan to allow MAiD where a mental disorder is the sole underlying medical condition (MAiD-MD). Since MAiD-MD is becoming permissible in a growing number of jurisdictions, there is a need to better understand the moral concerns related to this option. Gaining a better understanding of the moral concerns at stake is a first step towards identifying ways of addressing them so that MAiD-MD can be successfully introduced and implemented, where legislations allow it. Methods Thus, this article aims (1) to better understand the moral concerns regarding MAiD-MD, and (2) to identify potential solutions to promote stakeholders’ well-being. A qualitative thematic review was undertaken, which used systematic keyword-driven search and thematic analysis of content. Seventy-four publications met the inclusion criteria. Results Various moral concerns and proposed solutions were identified and are related to how MAiD-MD is introduced in 5 contexts: (1) Societal context, (2) Healthcare system, (3) Continuum of care, (4) Discussions on the option of MAiD-MD, (5) MAiD-MD practices. We propose this classification of the identified moral concerns because it helps to better understand the various facets of discomfort experienced with MAiD-MD. In so doing, it also directs the various actions to be taken to alleviate these discomforts and promote the well-being of stakeholders. Conclusion The assessment of MAiD-MD applications, which is part of the context of MAiD-MD practices, emerges as the most widespread source of concern. Addressing the moral concerns arising in the five contexts identified could help ease concerns regarding the assessment of MAiD-MD.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-023-00971-4EthicsBioethicsMedical assistance in dyingEuthanasiaPhysician assisted SuicideMental disorders |
| spellingShingle | Caroline Favron-Godbout Eric Racine Medical assistance in dying for people living with mental disorders: a qualitative thematic review BMC Medical Ethics Ethics Bioethics Medical assistance in dying Euthanasia Physician assisted Suicide Mental disorders |
| title | Medical assistance in dying for people living with mental disorders: a qualitative thematic review |
| title_full | Medical assistance in dying for people living with mental disorders: a qualitative thematic review |
| title_fullStr | Medical assistance in dying for people living with mental disorders: a qualitative thematic review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Medical assistance in dying for people living with mental disorders: a qualitative thematic review |
| title_short | Medical assistance in dying for people living with mental disorders: a qualitative thematic review |
| title_sort | medical assistance in dying for people living with mental disorders a qualitative thematic review |
| topic | Ethics Bioethics Medical assistance in dying Euthanasia Physician assisted Suicide Mental disorders |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-023-00971-4 |
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