Physicians and death : comments and behaviour of 605 doctors in the north-east of Italy

摘要: The aim of this study was to determine the influence socio-demographic and professional factors on physicians' attitudes terminally ill. Between May 1992 1993, a survey conducted in province Pordenone (north-east, Italy) order analyse number specific issues, such as emotional involvement, need for aggressive treatments communication diagnosis prognosis. After obtaining list board-certified physicians from Medical Association office Pordenone, modification cancer questionnaire Haley Blanchard (QSPT) mailed 916 doctors. Of these, 605 (60%; 487 male, 118 female; mean age 41 ± 11 SD) returned completed questionnaire. Within group responders, we identified three main subgroups, according their type activity: general practitioners (175, 29%), hospital doctors (235, 39%) other (195, 32%). In age, sex activity, only significant difference between responders non-responders (mean 43 years respeetively). Most (77%) stated that they were able deal with ill patient his/her needs; 44%, however, admitted patients' anxiety is sometimes unbearable. For vast majority polled (91%), providing comfortable environment an incurable more important than pursuing treatment, but 44% convinced uselessness care. To question whether disclose information about imminent death allow patients prepare spiritually, 37% answered “No”, 38% “Yes”, 25% uncertain. Almost all (95%), believed beneficial effect hope Ourresults suggest doctors' and, most all, sociodemographic cultural relationship both clinical decision-making levels.