The effects of anesthesiology and reanimation physicians' feelings of compassion and burnout on attitudes to euthanasia, death and death

Objective: In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the influence of compassion and burnout on the attitudes of anesthesiology and reanimation physicians in Turkey toward euthanasia, death, and dying. Materials and Methods: Between September 2023 and September 2024, 530 anesthesiology and reanimation physicians actively practicing in Turkey were surveyed through face-to-face or online questionnaires. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Information Form, the Compassion for Others Scale, the Professional Fatigue Burnout Recovery Scale, and the Attitude Scale toward Euthanasia, Death, and the Terminally Ill Patient. Results: Of the participants, 54.7% were male and 81.1% were married, with a mean professional experience of 16.57 years. More than half of the physicians (52.8%) reported having encountered a patient who requested death during their career, while 67.9% indicated a need for consultation on issues related to death and euthanasia. Variables including the loss of a first-degree relative within the past five years, experience of an earthquake, institutional and regional affiliation, and professional title were found to be associated with statistically significant differences in euthanasia attitudes, compassion, and burnout scores (p<0.001). Structural equation modeling revealed that burnout served as a significant mediator in the relationship between compassion and attitudes toward euthanasia. Conclusion: Compassion fatigue and burnout were identified as key determinants of physicians' attitudes toward death and euthanasia. The findings suggest that psychosocial support programs and ethics training tailored to anesthesiology and reanimation physicians may enhance both professional well-being and the quality of patient care.