Orthothanasia in medical training: taboos and unveilings

Abstract

Orthothanasia is the suspension of artificial methods that prolong the life of a patient with no prospects of cure. Such concept is a complex issue, since many health care professionals consider death to be a failure, highlighting the need for its inclusion in academia. Consequently, this study sought to understand how medical professors view orthothanasia. To this end, we conducted a qualitative-quantitative research between May and July 2019, via online questionnaire, with medical professors from a federal university in Northern Brazil. Results show that this issue is poorly addressed in medical education, and a more consistent pedagogical approach to orthothanasia in academia is essential.

Education, medical; Terminal care; Death; Medicine