TY - JOUR
T1 - Case report
T2 - Organ donation after euthanasia for psychiatric suffering
AU - van Dijk, Nathalie
AU - de Jongh, Wim
AU - Stärcke, Paulan
AU - Shaw, David
AU - Bollen, Jan
AU - van Mook, Walther
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
Copyright © 2024 van Dijk, de Jongh, Stärcke, Shaw, Bollen and van Mook.
PY - 2024/1/1
Y1 - 2024/1/1
N2 - Euthanasia in psychiatric patients presents unique challenges, especially when combined with organ donation. In this article, the hurdles psychiatric patients might encounter after expressing their wish for organ donation after euthanasia, are discussed and illustrated by the case of Martijn, a 45-year-old psychiatric patient who altruistically donated his organs after euthanasia. Hospital and physician-related factors, including caution in determination of mental capacity, consideration of conflicting interests, and healthcare staff stress are discussed as impediments to organ donation after euthanasia (ODE) in psychiatric patients. The primary objective of this article is to raise awareness among psychiatrists regarding the fact that although the combination of euthanasia and organ donation is an uncommonly performed procedure, it is frequently requested by psychiatric patients. In conclusion, the article advocates for a nuanced approach, respecting patients’ altruistic wishes while at the same time addressing challenges associated with ODE in psychiatric suffering. Where possible, and within the current medical, ethical and legal boundaries, the importance of facilitating organ donation without unnecessarily prolonging the suffering of competent psychiatric patients seeking euthanasia is emphasized. The topic calls, for example, for further qualitative research to understand the stakeholders’ perspectives to determine the perceived possibilities on the one hand and boundaries on the other.
AB - Euthanasia in psychiatric patients presents unique challenges, especially when combined with organ donation. In this article, the hurdles psychiatric patients might encounter after expressing their wish for organ donation after euthanasia, are discussed and illustrated by the case of Martijn, a 45-year-old psychiatric patient who altruistically donated his organs after euthanasia. Hospital and physician-related factors, including caution in determination of mental capacity, consideration of conflicting interests, and healthcare staff stress are discussed as impediments to organ donation after euthanasia (ODE) in psychiatric patients. The primary objective of this article is to raise awareness among psychiatrists regarding the fact that although the combination of euthanasia and organ donation is an uncommonly performed procedure, it is frequently requested by psychiatric patients. In conclusion, the article advocates for a nuanced approach, respecting patients’ altruistic wishes while at the same time addressing challenges associated with ODE in psychiatric suffering. Where possible, and within the current medical, ethical and legal boundaries, the importance of facilitating organ donation without unnecessarily prolonging the suffering of competent psychiatric patients seeking euthanasia is emphasized. The topic calls, for example, for further qualitative research to understand the stakeholders’ perspectives to determine the perceived possibilities on the one hand and boundaries on the other.
KW - assisted suicide and euthanasia
KW - case report
KW - euthanasia
KW - organ donation
KW - psychiatric suffering
U2 - 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1234741
DO - 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1234741
M3 - Article
SN - 1664-0640
VL - 15
JO - Frontiers in Psychiatry
JF - Frontiers in Psychiatry
M1 - 1234741
ER -