Terminal Sedation and Euthanasia

A recent study was done in the Netherlands regarding the use of terminal sedation to keep patients in deep sedation or coma until death. Personal interviews of physicians were done in order to compare the characteristics of the patients, the decision-making process and the medical care of both practices. Conclusions of the study found that terminal sedation is used to address "severe physical and psychological suffering of dying patients, whereas perceived loss of dignity during the last phase of life is a major problem for pattients requesting euthanasia."

To see the full article:
Rietjens, J.A.C., van Delden, J.J.M., van der Heide, A., Vrakking A.M., Onwuteaka-Philipsen, B.D., van der Maas, P.J. and van der Wa, G. (2006). Terminal Sedation and Euthanasia: A Comparison of Clinical Practices Archives of Internal Medicine, 166 749-753.