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null sergio ramos 2025

The regulation of euthanasia in Spain has opened a debate on its application in patients with mental disorders. Although the law recognises the right to assisted dying in situations of severe and intolerable suffering, its interpretation in the field of psychiatry remains controversial due to the complexity of assessing the patient’s decision-making capacity and the subjective nature of psychological suffering. Experiences in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Canada show a growing number of requests from patients with mental disorders, highlighting the need for rigorous criteria and assessment procedures.

 

In Spain, most approved cases involve severe physical illnesses, while requests based on psychological suffering are rare and subject to a more thorough examination. However, the increase in such requests raises questions about healthcare professionals’ attitudes, the barriers they perceive, and the factors that influence their decisions. Understanding these dynamics is essential to ensuring a fair and consistent application of the law.

 

The project proposes the design and validation of a structured questionnaire to assess health professionals’ attitudes and perceived barriers concerning euthanasia in patients with mental disorders. Through the use of Delphi methodology and psychometric testing, the aim is to offer a reliable tool that can inform clinical practice, guide training, and support bioethical discussion in a particularly sensitive and complex field.
 

 

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