Abstract:

This article presents the findings of quantitative and qualitative research involving over 300 Australian health care chaplains concerning their involvement in patient and staff issues with regard to euthanasia. Approximately one quarter of chaplains (26.3%) indicated having been involved in patient / family euthanasia issues and one fifth of chaplains were involved in staff euthanasia issues. Forty-three (n = 43) chaplains consented to in-depth interviews about the nature of their involvement in euthanasia issues. It is noted that the important knowledge and tacit experience of those trained and practicing in pastoral care should be included when considering euthanasia issues and decisions.

Author: Lindsay B. Carey, Jeffrey Cohen, Bruce Rumbold