End-of-Life Decisions in Flanders: Research Protocol
Author Information
Author(s): Kenneth Chambaere, Johan Bilsen, Joachim Cohen, Geert Pousset, Bregje Onwuteaka-Philipsen, Freddy Mortier, Luc Deliens
Primary Institution: Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Hypothesis
What are the reliable incidence estimates of end-of-life decisions in Flanders, Belgium?
Conclusion
The study protocol aims to produce reliable incidence estimates of end-of-life decisions and describe their characteristics in Flanders.
Supporting Evidence
- Past studies have shown that end-of-life decisions are made in a significant proportion of deaths.
- The study aims to allow comparability with past ELD studies.
- Anonymity of both patient and physician is guaranteed through a rigorous procedure.
- The study design is based on a method successfully used in several European countries.
Takeaway
This study looks at how often doctors make decisions that might shorten a patient's life at the end, using information from death certificates.
Methodology
A retrospective survey using a representative sample of death certificates and a questionnaire sent to certifying physicians.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the physician signing the death certificate not being the treating physician.
Limitations
Some physicians may not be able to identify patients, and there may be delays in processing death certificates.
Participant Demographics
Deceased individuals aged one year or older in Flanders.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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