| |
1990 Study |
1995 Study |
| Medical Decision |
Questionnaire
Portion |
Interview
Portion |
Questionnaire
Portion |
Interview
Portion |
| Euthanasia |
2189 (1.7) |
2,445 (1.9) |
3,253 (2.4) |
3,018 (2.2) |
| Physician-assisted suicide |
244 (0.2) |
380 (0.3) |
271 (0.2) |
542 (0.4) |
| Ending life without request |
1030 (0.8) |
|
948 (0.7) |
|
Opioids given with explicit
intention of ending life |
|
1350 (1.0) |
|
1,896 (1.3) |
| Estimated total deaths caused by active intervention by physicians |
4813 (3.7) |
|
6,368 (4.7) |
|
* Values are the number of deaths with percentages of all deaths in parentheses, based on 128,786 deaths in the Netherlands in 1990 and on 135,546 deaths in 1995.
Figures based on questionnaire portions of the study. A total of 6,942 questionnaires mailed in 1991: 76% were returned. Sample stratified to include a high percentage of cases where a decision at the end of life was likely to be made.
Figures were from the interview portions of the study. A total of 405 physicians were interviewed in 1991 and another 405 in 1995. They were selected from a stratified random sample of 599 in 1991 and 559 in 1995. Only 9% refused to participate in 1991 and 11% in 1995. Others were not traceable, had chronic illness, or did not meet other criteria. Sample was stratified to include physicians likely to have participated in end-of-life decisions.
Comparative figures only available for questionnaire portions of the study.
Comparative figures only available for interview portions of the study.
Total death estimates are based on data from both the questionnaire and interview studies.
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