At the department, we are dedicated to research across a wide range of topics in medical psychology, such as the stigmatization of mental illness, moral injury, and issues related to palliative care.

Assisted Death Research

The Assisted Death Research group at the Department of Medical Psychology builds upon long-term research focused on end-of-life decision-making, prognostic awareness, hope, and communication in palliative care.

Our current work focuses on assisted dying — euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide — in the context of ongoing debates about possible legalization in the Czech Republic.

We have conducted a qualitative study exploring Czech healthcare professionals’ perspectives on dying, patient autonomy, limits of medicine, and assisted dying. We are currently preparing a broader research project focused on patients’ attitudes and motivations, healthcare professionals’ experiences, and decision-making within the “grey zone” of unbearable suffering in a setting where euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide remain illegal.

Our aim is not to promote predetermined ideological positions, but to contribute to a thoughtful and evidence-informed professional and public discussion of this highly sensitive topic through empirical research, ethical reflection, and interdisciplinary approach.

We are looking for intenational collaboration!

Contacts:

Adam Houska, MD, PhD

Miroslava Janoušková, PhD

Email: assisted.death.research@pm.me

Tel.: + 420 773 655 055