End-of-life Decisions in Critical Care Medicine – Where are we Headed?

Physician-assisted suicide is discussed, drawing from studies & examples in Canada, The Netherlands, & the US. Changes in attitude in the US have now legalized various forms of passive euthanasia. Sprung notes that end-of-life decision-making among physicians is highly variable, which is problematic. Safeguards must be implemented if active euthanasia is legalized. Regardless of future developments concerning euthanasia, better critical care for patients should be provided. (39 refs)