The European Academy of Neurology (EAN), the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA), and OneNeurology have joined forces to address the rapidly evolving landscape of end-of-life legislation across Europe. Their recent collaborative statement, supported by clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates, highlights the urgent need to keep palliative care at the heart of support for those living with long-term neurological conditions (LTNC) and entering end-of-life care, as laws regarding medically assisted dying continue to expand.
With more European countries permitting medically assisted dying—including Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and ongoing debates in Germany and the UK—the discussion is more relevant than ever. The Letter to the Editor sets key priorities in to protect neurological patients with regards to end-of-life care and LTNC, particularly around symptom management, communication difficulties, and fluctuating cognitive abilities
EAN, EFNA, and OneNeurology collectively spotlight four key priorities:
- Palliative care as an accessible and parallel option. Expansion of assisted dying must not detract from the vital role of palliative care in relieving suffering and supporting families.
- Early integration of palliative care for LTNC. Timely involvement of multidisciplinary teams ensures comprehensive support from diagnosis onwards.
- Robust legal protections and specialist expertise. Legal frameworks must safeguard patient autonomy and access to full-spectrum support.
- Education for neurologists in palliative care. Training is needed to address the wide-ranging needs of neurological patients.
To learn more about these calls to action and their implications for neurological care and policy, read the full letter here. This initiative is a rallying cry to ensure dignity, holistic care, and genuine choice for some of Europe’s most vulnerable patients.
Read full Letter to the Editor: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ene.70591
