Nurses at St. Lars’ Palliative Ward in Lund, Sweden, are affirming their commitment to providing compassionate care for patients facing end-of-life decisions. The nurses, including Josefine Håkansson, Lena Sjölin, and Anna Nilsblad, emphasize the importance of addressing the existential and ethical dimensions of care, particularly when patients express a desire for euthanasia.
The nurses describe their approach as that of a detective seeking to understand the patient’s needs and alleviate suffering. They emphasize the importance of active listening and offering support to patients who may be considering end-of-life options. While acknowledging the complexity of the issue, they stress the need to focus on making life as comfortable and meaningful as possible for patients in their final days.
In some cases, patients may request palliative sedation as a way to alleviate their suffering. Palliative sedation involves a continuous intravenous supply of sedatives to lower a patient’s level of alertness and provide relief from distressing symptoms. The nurses note that while they respect and support the patient’s autonomy, their primary goal is to alleviate suffering and provide person-centered care.
The nurses also share their experiences with patients who have expressed a clear desire for euthanasia. They recall one patient who had initially planned to seek euthanasia in a clinic in Switzerland but eventually chose to be admitted to the palliative care unit. Despite the challenges, the nurses express a sense of fulfillment in providing support and comfort to patients facing such difficult decisions.
In efforts to facilitate discussions around euthanasia, the nurses’ ethical council at the Swedish Nurses’ Association has produced a knowledge base to assist healthcare professionals in navigating the complexities of end-of-life care. The material aims to provide a nuanced perspective on euthanasia, euthanasia, assisted suicide, and self-chosen end-of-life options and invites critical dialogue on the topic.
As the nurses continue to navigate complex ethical and existential questions, they remain steadfast in their commitment to providing compassionate and person-centered care for patients in their final days. Their dedication serves as a testament to the importance of addressing the diverse and often difficult needs of patients facing end-of-life decisions.