Ported Patients' Motives for Decisions to Hasten Death by VSED (99 Patients) and Physician InvolvementCharacteristicPatient's

Ported Patients’ Motives for Decisions to Hasten Death by VSED (99 Patients) and Physician InvolvementCharacteristicPatient’s Motive Somatic Fatigue, basic weakness Physical deterioration Discomfort Dyspnea Other physical symptoms Existential Suffering with out hope for improvement Tired of living Missing a purpose in life Dependence MedChemExpress RE-640 getting dependent Disability, immobility (Fear of) loss of autonomy Not wanting to be a burden on loved ones anymore No longer getting able to reside independently Loss of dignity, loss of self Loss of dignity Cognitive decline or inability to communicate Social Loneliness Death of a loved one Psychiatric suffering Depressive symptoms Fear, anxiety Physician’s involvement and attitude Doctor had recommended the possibility of VSED for the patient Doctor could agree together with 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) 8 (4-16) 14 (9-23) 13 (8-22) 3 (1-9)(95 CI)ECOG = Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group; VSED = voluntary stopping of eating and drinking. Note: Missing values ranged from 0.0 to 5.1 . Respondents could give one particular or far more answers. b 10 Neurologic illness, 10 musculoskeletal or rheumatic disease, 9 cardiovascular illness, 7 respiratory disease, 6 sensory loss or general decline, four pain syndrome, three diabetes, four other.aECOG performance status: (0) totally active; (1) restricted in physically strenuous activity but ambulatory and in a position to carry out light work; (two) ambulatory, capable of all self-care but unable to carry out work activities; up and about far more than 50 of waking PubMed ID:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21310042 hours; (three) capable of only limited self-care, confined to bedchair for extra than 50 of waking hours; (4) completely disabled, no self-care achievable, totally confined to bed or chair.c dTwo individuals were 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 two.0 to 4.0 .ANNALS O F Loved ones 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 4. Characteristics of Preparation and Terminal Phases of VSED (96 Individuals)CharacteristicPreparation phase Physician was informed on the patient’s intention in advance Yes, by the patient Yes, by the patient’s proxy No, however the patient had stated that heshe didn’t desire to continue living No Physician or proxy involvement No family members doctor or proxy Household doctor (for guidance, support, or care)a In preparing for VSED During the process of VSED Palliative sedation until death No Proxies a In preparing for VSED Throughout the course of action 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 within the last 3 days prior to deathb Yes None None (but palliative sedation was given) Don’t 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 process went in line with the patient’s want Yes Partly No If partly or no, purpose whyc Duration too lengthy Patient preferred PAS Communication issues Inability to say goodbye Agit.