Homepage > Research abstracts > End-of-Life Decision in Israel: Epidemiological Survey on the Interaction between the Terminally-ill and the Health System
End-of-Life Decision in Israel: Epidemiological Survey on the Interaction between the Terminally-ill and the Health System
Researchers: Moran Bodas1, Baruch Velan1, Adir Shaulov2, Arnona Ziv1
- The Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research
- Hadassah, Ein Karem
Background: End-of-life processes (EoLP) become complex and challenging due to changes in social-normative and ethical concepts.
Objectives: To create a quantitative database regarding EoLP and to identify differences between different population groups.
Method: The study included qualitative and quantitative methods including a representative national survey of 605 people aged 50 and over to clarify attitudes regarding end-of-life processes.
Findings: The importance of family members as agents involved in decision-making was demonstrated. Of the total participants, 27% and 30% agreed that a dying patient should be connected to artificial respiration and feeding (respectively). In practice, 37% and 30% of family caregivers accompanying their loved-ones on their deathbed (n=297) reported these practices (respectively). Similarly, 66% agree that a dying patient should be treated with pain-relieving treatment, even if it shortens his life, and in practice 58% reported that such treatment was given. The data shows that there is a polarization of attitudes in Israeli society regarding EoLP, which are affected by affiliation to religion and political orientation.
Conclusions: The findings of the study emphasize the crucial role of family caregivers in end-of-life decision-making, despite the lack of legal regulation of their status. There is a wide public agreement for the use of analgesics that may shorten life, and this is also a common practice, according to the participants in this study.
Recommendations: It is imperative for the state to establish clear guidelines outlining the role, rights, and obligations of family caregivers in end-of-life processes. Additionally, the provision of an informational infrastructure that offers necessary
information, tools, and skills to effectively handle end-of-life processes should be implemented by the state. Furthermore, there is a need for further examination and discussion of the concept of terminal sedation.
information, tools, and skills to effectively handle end-of-life processes should be implemented by the state. Furthermore, there is a need for further examination and discussion of the concept of terminal sedation.
Research number: A/6/2020
Research end date: 02/2023