Death with Dignity: Assessing the Attitudes of Wyoming Health Care Professionals

The purpose of this study was to determine the level of support for the practice of Death with Dignity among healthcare professionals in the State of Wyoming. This is significant because the attitudes of Wyoming healthcare professionals have never be assessed regarding this issue. As health care professionals play a quintessential role in the delivery of this practice, knowing where they stand and to what extent they would be willing to practice Death with Dignity is a factor that must be known before legislative action. This research study sought to answer these questions by posing them to physicians, nurses and social workers at eight different medical institutions in Wyoming. It was found that of the responding participants overall, 16% of health care professionals had been approached by their patients regarding information or access to Death with Dignity. Overall, there was a 73% level of support for and a 71% willingness to practice Death with Dignity. By assessing the attitudes that influence practitioners support, greater understanding will be gained regarding the issue of Death with Dignity.