Flemish healthcare providers' attitude towards tiredness of life and euthanasia: a survey study.

The legal understanding and attitude of Flemish physicians and nurses towards tiredness of life and euthanasia in older patients differed to a great extent. This study showed (1) a lack of awareness of the legal basis for euthanasia in the context of ToL among all HCPs, (2) differences in the extent of comprehension between nurses and physicians and (3) differences in willingness to actually perform euthanasia between geriatricians and GPs. So even with the formulation of strict due-care criteria there is still room for interpretation. This creates a gray area and a discussion point between healthcare providers.