Terminally-ill patients in the UK are being inadequately treated for pain relief because nurses fear prosecution for assisting suicide, a Nursing Times survey suggests. The on-line survey showed that more than 10% of the 2,311 who participated said they had cut down a patient’s medication despite worsening symptoms. Many did so because they were concerned about being prosecuted for assisted suicide.

The participants also confirmed that cutting medication left patients in unnecessary pain, which might lead them to seek suicide as a solution. One nurse commented, “I was worried about the authorities scrutinising the medication record with the intention of prosecuting me for over-medication, even though the dosage was ordered by a physician and necessary to relieve the patient’s pain and suffering.”

According to another, increasing medication could be a difficult “balancing act”. “Giving opiates could reduce pain but increase respiratory depression. I am acutely aware that my actions within my role could result in not being able to practice or legal proceedings.”

According to senior nurses, the survey showed a need for “urgent” action and for clarification of the legal position of nurses as well as their professional accountability. Director of UK Department of Health’s end-of-life care program Claire Henry told the Nursing Times, “This is a disturbing finding. A competent and confident nurse should not approach pain relief with fear or trepidation.”~ Nursing Times, May 18