Background
Since the decriminalization of assisted suicide (AS) in Germany in 2020, there has been no definitive legal regulation. This study aims to assess attitudes and experiences of clinical staff at a university hospital toward AS.
Methodology
We conducted an online survey among employees with patient contact, focusing on selected departments. The questionnaire was developed by an expert panel based on literature review. We conducted a quantitative analysis of the data.
Results
Out of 531 who started the questionnaire, 322 (60%) completed the survey, with 301 datasets analyzed. Among respondents, 58.5% were open to providing patients with lethal medication for self-administration; 31.9% of nurses and 28.9% of physicians had been asked by patients about AS. A majority (83.9%) found AS acceptable at the hospital; however, 31.5% would consider resignation if required to participate. Acceptance varied by patient condition: 84.7% supported assisted suicide for palliative patients, but only 4.7% for healthy patients experiencing a loss of will to live.
Conclusion
Our findings reveal that the question of whether AS should take place in the hospital is important to the majority of respondents. From an organizational ethics perspective, institutional positioning and clear communication to clinical staff are therefore relevant. While life-limiting illness was not a decisive factor for many, willingness to participate strongly varied by patient health and knowledge. Further research should explore the reasons behind these attitudes and differences between physicians and nursing staff.