Approach to managing requests to hasten death

It is not uncommon for patients with palliative care needs to have a fluctuating will to live, and to say things like ‘I wish this was over’ or ‘I’d like to go to sleep and not wake up’. For guidance on assessing and managing such statements, see Desire to die. Family members may voice similar sentiments or ask a healthcare professional ‘to just hurry it up’. Although such statements may be a cry for support, rather than a wish to hasten death, they require further assessment. See Family support in palliative care for guidance on addressing the needs of families and Support for carers in palliative care for guidance on addressing the needs of carers.

A small number of patients have a persistent desire to hasten their death, and may ask their healthcare professional for assistance to die.