HEALTH CARE CHAPLAINCY AND EUTHANASIA IN AUSTRALIA

Authors

  • Lindsay B. Carey La Trobe University
  • Jeffrey Cohen University of New South Wales
  • Bruce Rumbold La Trobe University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.v12i1.3

Keywords:

euthanasia, palliative care, end-of-life provision

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 Biographies

  • Lindsay B. Carey, La Trobe University

    Rev. Dr. Lindsay B. Carey, M.App.Sc., Ph.D. is Lecturer and Research Fellow, at the Palliative Care Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

  • Jeffrey Cohen, University of New South Wales

    Rabbi Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, D.Min., D.D., F.R.S.A. is Visiting Senior Research Fellow, School of Public Health & Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

  • Bruce Rumbold, La Trobe University

    Rev. Dr. Bruce Rumbold is Acting Director of the Palliative Care Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

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Published

2013-04-06

How to Cite

Carey, L., Cohen, J., & Rumbold, B. (2013). HEALTH CARE CHAPLAINCY AND EUTHANASIA IN AUSTRALIA. Health and Social Care Chaplaincy, 12(1), 3-12. https://doi.org/10.1558/hscc.v12i1.3

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