Public perceptions of futile therapy: a nationwide survey in Poland

Background: Futile therapy, defined as the maintenance of organ functions without patient benefit, has been the focus of growing ethical and medical debate. Recent initiatives in Poland, including new protocols and the 2025 amendment to the Code of Medical Ethics, highlight the issue’s relevance. Previous studies have primarily addressed healthcare professionals and end-of-life care, leaving the perspectives of the general population insufficiently studied. This study aimed to examine public attitudes toward futile therapy in Poland. Methods: An anonymous survey was conducted in Poland between March and September 2025. A total of 1,041 questionnaires were collected, of which 1,019 (97.9%) were complete and included in the final analysis. Eligibility was restricted to respondents aged 18 years or older. The mean age of participants was 31 years, 60% were female, and 47.3% lived in towns of 50,000–500,000 inhabitants. Most respondents had higher education (62.1%), and 54% were employed full-time. Results: While 84.2% of respondents identified futile therapy as the prolongation of vital functions without therapeutic benefit, detailed awareness of patients’ rights and existing legal regulations was limited. One-fifth equated discontinuation of futile therapy with euthanasia. The majority (73.8%) agreed that futile therapy should not be applied if it prolongs suffering, and 58.4% supported family involvement in decision-making, while two-thirds disagreed that the decision should rest solely with physicians. Patient condition, prognosis, and will were cited as the most important factors in withdrawal decisions. The Internet and social media were the predominant sources of knowledge. Significant differences in attitudes were observed across gender, religiosity, political orientation, education, age, and place of residence. Conclusions: Public awareness of the futile therapy issue in Poland remains limited, underscoring the need for educational initiatives.