Euthanasia and other end of life decisions and care provided in final three months of life: nationwide retrospective study in Belgium

Objective To explore the relation between the care provided in the final three months of life and the prevalence and types of end of life decisions in Belgium. Design Two year nationwide retrospective study, 2005-6 (SENTI-MELC study). Setting Data collection via the sentinel network of general practitioners, an epidemiological surveillance system representative of all general practitioners in Belgium. Subjects 1690 non-sudden deaths in practices of the sentinel general practitioners. Main outcome measures Non-sudden deaths of patients (aged >1 year) reported each week. Reported care provide... Mehr ...