An international consensus definition of the wish to hasten death and its related factors

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2016
Author
Balaguer, Albert
Monforte-Royo, Cristina
Porta Sales, J. (Josep)
Alonso Babarro, Alberto
Altisent, Rogelio
Aradilla Herrero, Amor
Bellido Pérez, Mercedes
Breitbart, William
Centeno, Carlos
Cuervo, Miguel Angel
Deliens, Luc
Frerich, Gerrit
Gastmans, Chris
Lichtenfeld, Stephanie
Limonero, Joaquín T.
Maier, Markus A.
Materstvedt, Lars Johan
Nabal Vicuña, Maria
Rodin, Gary
Rosenfeld, Barry
Schroepfer, Tracy
Tomás Sábado, Joaquín
Trelis, Jordi
Villavicencio Chávez, Christian
Voltz, Raymond
Suggested citation
Balaguer, Albert; Monforte-Royo, Cristina; Porta Sales, J. (Josep); Alonso Babarro, Alberto; Altisent, Rogelio; Aradilla Herrero, Amor; ... Voltz, Raymond. (2016) . An international consensus definition of the wish to hasten death and its related factors. PLoS ONE, 2016, vol. 11, núm. 1, e0146184. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0146184.
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Abstract
Background: The desire for hastened death or wish to hasten death (WTHD) that is experienced by some patients with advanced illness is a complex phenomenon for which no widely accepted definition exists. This lack of a common conceptualization hinders understanding and cooperation between clinicians and researchers. The aim of this study was to develop an internationally agreed definition of the WTHD. Methods: Following an exhaustive literature review, a modified nominal group process and an international, modified Delphi process were carried out. The nominal group served to produce a preliminary definition that was then subjected to a Delphi process in which 24 experts from 19 institutions from Europe, Canada and the USA participated. Delphi responses and comments were analysed using a pre-established strategy. Findings: All 24 experts completed the three rounds of the Delphi process, and all the proposed statements achieved at least 79% agreement. Key concepts in the final definition include the WTHD as a reaction to suffering, the fact that such a wish is not always expressed spontaneously, and the need to distinguish the WTHD from the acceptance of impending death or from a wish to die naturally, although preferably soon. The proposed definition also makes reference to possible factors related to the WTHD. Conclusions: This international consensus definition of the WTHD should make it easier for clinicians and researchers to share their knowledge. This would foster an improved understanding of the phenomenon and help in developing strategies for early therapeutic intervention.
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http://hdl.handle.net/10459.1/56777
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0146184
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PLoS ONE, 2016, vol. 11, núm. 1, e0146184
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cc-by, (c) Balaguer et al., 2016
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as cc-by, (c) Balaguer et al., 2016