Nationwide survey to evaluate the decision-making process in euthanasia requests in Belgium : do specifically trained 2nd physicians improve quality of consultation?

Background: Following the 2002 enactment of the Belgian law on euthanasia, which requires the consultation of an independent second physician before proceeding with euthanasia, the Life End Information Forum (LEIF) was founded which provides specifically trained physicians who can act as mandatory consultants in euthanasia requests. This study assesses quality of consultations in Flanders and Brussels and compares these between LEIF and non-LEIF consultants. Methods: A questionnaire was sent in 2009 to a random sample of 3,006 physicians in Belgium from specialties likely involved in the care... Mehr ...