A comparison of resident and faculty attitudes toward physician-assisted suicide and active voluntary euthanasia

Purpose: Assisted death practices such as physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and active voluntary euthanasia (AVE) are becoming more acceptable to the public and the medical profession. This study compared the attitudes and practices of resident house staff physicians with the medical staff physicians responsible for teaching them regarding PAS and AVE. Methods: A convenience sample of 372 medical staff and 105 resident house staff from a multi-residency community teaching hospital were anonymously surveyed. The overall response rate was 47%. The questionnaire consisted of 10 questions that examined the subjects 'professional and legal values, willingness to participate in assisted death practices, and personal preferences for assisted death practices. Results: The resident house staff differed significantly from the medical staff in attitudes toward assisted death practices. The resident house staff was less likely to support the traditional prohibitions against PAS and AVE. The resident house staff was also more likely to offer assisted death practices if they were legal. There was no significant difference, however; in the participation of assisted death practices between the groups respectively for PAS and AVE. The residents were more likely to request PAS or AVE for themselves or family members. Conclusions: There are significant differences in attitudes and practices between resident physicians and medical staff physicians concerning PAS and AVE. These differences could lead to professional conflicts when setting clinical goals for end-of-life care and could compromise patient care.