ABSTRACT
The prominence of the caring dimension has never had such a high profile in healthcare practice before. As a result of this, the Leadership in Compassionate Care Project has evolved. A unique feature is the partnership between Edinburgh Napier University and NHS Lothian. Engaging with and helping qualified and student nurses to value and promote the delivery of compassionate care is a primary focus of the project. This article outlines key policy drivers, the project's four main strands, and the aims, processes and perceived impact on practice.
Subject(s)
Education, Nursing , Empathy , Leadership , Nursing Care , Curriculum , Humans , National Health Programs , Program Development , ScotlandSubject(s)
Advance Directives/ethics , Decision Making , Dementia/nursing , Aged , Dementia/psychology , Humans , Mental Competency , Patient Advocacy , United KingdomABSTRACT
Recent high profile right-to-die cases have served to heighten the confusion surrounding euthanasia, particularly in relation to active and passive euthanasia. It is apparent that the underlying philosophical basis of the active-passive distinction has led to distortions in the law surrounding this issue, which further compounds the confusion. It is time for a more honest approach to assistance in dying. In the long-term, reform is inevitable and may involve reclassifying passive and active euthanasia as life-terminating acts. Nurses need to have an understanding of the ethical and legal basis of euthanasia to acknowledge and define their possible future role in relation to the provision of life-terminating acts.