Article
A Common Case of Euthanasia in Dutch General Practice – An on stage Moral Case Deliberation with German and Dutch GPs
Aktive Sterbehilfe in niederländischer Hausarztpraxis – Eine ethische Fallerörterung mit deutschen und niederländischen Hausärzten
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Authors
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A. Ruissen
- Emergis, Kloetinge / Goes, Niederlande; Amedea, Oosterhout, Niederlande
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M. Sielk
- Emergis, Kloetinge / Goes, Niederlande; Universität Düsseldorf, Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Düsseldorf, Deutschland
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G. Widdershoven
- Vrije Universiteit medisch centrum, Medische Faculteit, Amsterdam, Niederlande
| Published: | September 5, 2017 |
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Outline
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Background: Euthanasia and Physician-Assisted Suicide (PAS) have been a component of common patient care in the Netherlands since legalization in 2002. Although seen as an exception, about 6000 cases of euthanasia/PAS were performed last year, 90% in general practice. In Germany both euthanasia/PAS is prohibited and probably very seldom executed illegally; The widespread belief is that actively ending the life of a patient is immoral in all circumstances. Comparing German and Dutch doctors, one observes almost identical beliefs, standards, and ethics. They share the same basics but differ fundamentally when it comes to euthanesia/PAS.
Target audience: GPs
Didactic method: After a short overview over the current situation on this theme in the Netherlands, we will discuss a common euthanasia case with 8 German and Dutch GPs using Moral Case Deliberation (MCD) method. MCD is a structured conversation method with a non-directive conversation facilitator, used by healthcare professionals to reflect upon their moral questions. The audience will be asked to take a share in the deliberation. The presentation will be held in English, the MCD in German, combined with English and Dutch.
Objectice: The aim is to explore the underlying moral contemplations and inner contradictions, rather than jumping to conclusions or mutual condemnation. We expect that both “sides” will learn from this deeper insight and will be stimulated by meeting the opposite perspective.
Number of participants: 50
Short introduction of the workshop chairs: Guy Widdershoven is professor of Philosophy and Ethics of Medicine at VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam. Andrea Ruissen is psychiatrist and philosopher, post-doctoral researcher. Martin Sielk is psychiatrist and post-doctoral researcher in both countries.
