Huge Knowledge Gaps: Call for Better Education on Assisted Suicide

The Austrian Palliative Society (OPG) and Hospice Austria are calling for more education on the living will. Affected individuals often lack clearly defined contact points and contact persons. "Good hospice care also includes people knowing that it exists," explained Barbara Schwarz, President of Hospice Austria, at a press conference on Friday.

According to the expert, there is also a need to destigmatize the topic. Palliative medicine is "always directed towards life," and even those with incurable diseases can often be well cared for over many years. A decision for suicide should be respected, said OPG President Gudrun Kreye, but "resource scarcity should never be a reason for someone to choose assisted suicide."

Palliative Medicine Criticizes Lack of Knowledge About Assisted Suicide

Additionally, the professional societies want more curricula on hospice and palliative care in medical education. "It is of no use to have only a good palliative care unit in the hospital if the rest of the medical staff does not support it and does not also use these people for consultation services."

A survey among Austria's doctors revealed "alarming" results, according to the OPG President. Some doctors are not even aware of the difference between palliative sedation, euthanasia, and assisted suicide. There are also significant knowledge gaps regarding the procedures.

Demands on the Government

The Austrian Society for a Humane End of Life (ÖGHL) also criticized the current state of the Assisted Suicide Act on Friday. "No one feels responsible for assisted suicide," it says in a statement. People wishing to die are partially falling out of the care chains.

In the letter, the organization proposes, for example, to legally anchor the professionalization of suicide assistance and further training in relevant health professions. Additionally, legislators should guarantee those affected a right to information about suicide assistance.

More Security in the Distribution of Preparations

Particularly problematic is the lack of control over the distribution and return of suicide preparations. OPG President Kreye therefore calls for stricter documentation: "Not to control the people who use it - but to create security for the environment." Otherwise, the deadly preparations could fall into the wrong hands. The ÖGHL also wants to make unauthorized distribution punishable here.

Since 2022, assisted suicide has been legally permitted for severely or incurably ill people in Austria. Last year, 112 Austrians took advantage of the option of an assisted suicide declaration. An online platform by the OPG (www.ascirs.at) is intended to collect experiences with assisted suicide and make them accessible to those affected.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.