Abstract

Technological development of biomedical sciences has led to a prolongation of life and in some cases, ethical conflicts. The aim of this study was to determine the position of health professionals in intensive care units with respect to questions of end-of-ife. Semi-structured questionnaires with objective and subjective questions were applied to Intensive Care Unit professionals. It was found that the ethical issues related to end-of-life are common. Although these professionals recognize the importance of this issue are not held between the professionals, who often do not have adequate facilities for training. These professionals ralated no legal or psychological appropriate support, are against euthanasia and in favor of orthothanasia because they believe the patient should decide about their treatment. Legal and psychological assistance and stimulated discussion among professionals in the ICU should be priority factors for improving care for the terminally ill patients