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Bloomer MJ, O'Neill K, Hewitt J, Wheaton A, O'Connor M, Bonner A. "How to navigate this new area": Intensive care clinicians' perceptions of voluntary assisted dying in the intensive care unit: A multisite exploratory study. Aust Crit Care 2024:S1036-7314(24)00094-8. [PMID: 38880708 DOI: 10.1016/j.aucc.2024.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing momentum worldwide for assisted dying. In Australia, voluntary assisted dying may occur in any setting, including an intensive care unit (ICU). As the subject of much debate worldwide, exploring ICU clinicians' perceptions of assisted dying is essential. AIM The aim of this study was to explore clinicians' perceptions of and preparedness for voluntary assisted dying in the ICU. METHOD An exploratory qualitative descriptive design using individual interviews was used. Medical, nursing, and allied health clinicians from three ICUs were recruited. Interviews were conducted between Nov 2022 and Jan 2023, with a hypothetical scenario about voluntary assisted dying used to prompt discussion. Interviews were recorded, professionally transcribed, and analysed using inductive content analysis. FINDINGS ICU registered nurses (n = 20), physicians (n = 2), and allied health clinicians (n = 4) participated with interviews lasting 18-45 min (mean: 28 min). Analysis revealed four themes: (i) purpose of ICU reflected that ICU care was not all about saving lives, yet recognising dying and changing priorities was challenging; (ii) dying in the ICU is complex due to difficulties in talking about dying, accepting death as the outcome and evaluating care efficacy; (iii) voluntary assisted dying is a lot of grey because of perceived clinical and ethicolegal challenges; and finally, (iv) respecting choice was about respecting patients' values, beliefs, and autonomy, as well as clinicians' beliefs and right to exercise autonomy through conscientious objection. CONCLUSION Dying and death are inevitable, and views and perspectives about assisted dying will continue to evolve. Respecting patient choice is at the core of assisted dying, but respecting clinicians' perspectives and choice is equally important. With voluntary assisted dying now legal in all Australian states, ensuring ICU team and individual clinician preparedness through access to education, resources, and specialist support services is key to raising awareness and easing uncertainty about deaths through voluntary assisted dying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Bloomer
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia; Intensive Care Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health and Hospital Service, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
| | - Kylie O'Neill
- Intensive Care Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health and Hospital Service, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Jayne Hewitt
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia; Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Metro South Health and Hospital Service, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia; Law Futures Centre, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew Wheaton
- Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health and Hospital Service, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Margaret O'Connor
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Monash University, Peninsula Campus, Frankston, VIC, Australia; Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ann Bonner
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia; Kidney Health Service, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, QLD, Australia
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Light E, Kerridge I, Skowronski G, Venkatesha V, Krishnamurthy A, Kuper S, Noonan K, Hoyle P, Arnold M, Manley S, Stedman W, Sheahan L. Clinician perspectives on voluntary assisted dying and willingness to be involved: a multisite, cross-sectional survey during implementation in New South Wales, Australia. Intern Med J 2024; 54:724-734. [PMID: 38093686 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of nationwide law reform, New South Wales (NSW) became the last state in Australia to legalise voluntary assisted dying (VAD) - commencing 28 November 2023. Clinicians have divergent views regarding VAD, with varying levels of understanding, support, and willingness to be involved, and these may have a significant impact on the successful implementation. AIMS To understand levels of support, understanding and willingness to be involved in VAD among clinical staff across NSW during implementation of VAD. METHODS A multisite, cross-sectional online survey of clinicians across four local health districts, assessing relevant demographics, awareness of and support for VAD legislation and willingness to be involved in different levels of VAD-related clinical activities. RESULTS A total of 3010 clinical staff completed the survey. A majority of participants were aware of VAD legislation in NSW (86.35%) and supportive of it (76%), with nursing and allied health clinicians significantly more likely than medical specialists to express support. Among medical specialists, support was statistically more likely in those who did not care for patients at the end of life and those with limited knowledge of the legislation. Willingness of medical specialists to perform key roles was significantly lower, with 41.49% willing to act in coordinating or consulting roles, and only 23.21% as administering practitioners. CONCLUSIONS The majority of clinical staff surveyed across NSW supported VAD legislation. While many eligible clinicians were reluctant to be actively involved, sufficient numbers appear willing to provide VAD services, indicating that successful implementation should be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwina Light
- Sydney Health Ethics, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ian Kerridge
- Sydney Health Ethics, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Haematologist and BMT Physician, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Philosophy, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - George Skowronski
- Sydney Health Ethics, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- St George Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Aravind Krishnamurthy
- Clinical Governance Unit, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanne Kuper
- Northern NSW Local Health District, Ballina, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kerrie Noonan
- Western NSW Local Health District, Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Social Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip Hoyle
- Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Arnold
- Western NSW Local Health District, Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Rural Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Manley
- Cancer Services and Innovation, Northern NSW Local Health District, Ballina, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wade Stedman
- Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- VAD Implementation, NSW Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Linda Sheahan
- Sydney Health Ethics, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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3
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Peisah C, Sheppard A, Leung KC. Objections to assisted dying within institutions: systemic solutions for rapprochement. BMC Med Ethics 2023; 24:100. [PMID: 37974178 PMCID: PMC10655327 DOI: 10.1186/s12910-023-00981-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In this Matters Arising article, we outline how the recent article "The impact on patients of objections by institutions to assisted dying: a qualitative study of family caregivers' perceptions" (White et al., 2023 Mar 13;24(1):22) informed Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) implementation in our large Australian public health setting, where objections do not emanate from, but within, the institution. In reporting the harms to patients and caregivers created by institutional objection, White et al. provide an evidenced-based road map for potential potholes or risks associated with VAD implementation. We discuss the complexities emerging from the diverse views of health professionals and the ethical tensions arising from such, especially within certain specialties, and how we developed systemic strategies that support patients, caregivers and staff alike. We highlighted the need to shift from "Do you support VAD?" to "How can we support you as healthcare professionals to integrate VAD into your practice, in a way that complies with the legislation, meets the needs of patients and caregivers, and feels safe and does not compromise your moral stance?"
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmelle Peisah
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
- Capacity Australia, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Adrianna Sheppard
- Research and Education Network, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Kelvin Cy Leung
- Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Philip J, Le B, La Brooy C, Olver I, Kerridge I, Komesaroff P. Voluntary Assisted Dying/Euthanasia: Will This Have an Impact on Cancer Care in Future Years? Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1351-1364. [PMID: 37535255 PMCID: PMC10547610 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01126-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT In considering the impact of medically hastened death (MHD) on cancer care, a wide range of variables needs to be considered including demographic factors, diagnoses, local cultural factors, and the legislative frameworks in place. Here, we present a synthesis of recently available published literature and empirical data collected following legislative change to enable MHD in Victoria, Australia to explore in detail the potential impact of MHD on cancer care with a focus on patients/families and professional groups. Our findings reveal that for patients and families, both physical and existential distress frequently underlie MHD requests, with the latter less readily recognised by health professionals. The responses of those around the patient making the request may have a very significant impact on relationships within families and upon the nature of the subsequent bereavement. For palliative care, while differing views may remain, it appears that there has been some accommodation of MHD into or alongside practice over time. The recognition of a shared commitment to relief of suffering of palliative care and MHD appears a helpful means of establishing how these practices may co-exist. In cancer practice more broadly, as individual professionals reflect upon their own roles, new relationships and pathways of patient movement (or referral) must be established in response to patients' requests. Our findings also highlight many unanswered questions in understanding the impact of MHD, including that upon those dying who choose not to access MHD, First Nations peoples, the participating health professionals' longer term, and the relief of suffering itself. A systematic approach to the evaluation of MHD legislation must be adopted in order to understand its full impact. Only then could it be determined if the aspirations for such legislative change were being met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Victoria Pde, Fitzroy 3065, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Palliative Care Service, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Brian Le
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Victoria Pde, Fitzroy 3065, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Camille La Brooy
- Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Monash, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian Olver
- University of Notre Dame of Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian Kerridge
- Haematology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Health Ethics, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Philosophy, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
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5
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Ray R, Martin D. Missed opportunities: saving lives through organ donation following voluntary assisted dying. Intern Med J 2023; 53:861-865. [PMID: 37139939 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Organ donation after voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Australia may potentially increase organ transplant rates. Despite significant international experience with donation after VAD, there has been little discussion of this in Australia. We review potential ethical and practical concerns relating to donation after VAD and advocate action to establish programmes in Australia that ensure safe, ethical and effective donation after VAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ray
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria, Geelong, Australia
- Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Victoria, Geelong, Australia
| | - Dominique Martin
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria, Geelong, Australia
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McDougall R, Pratt B, Sellars M. Ethical Diversity and Practical Uncertainty: A Qualitative Interview Study of Clinicians' Experiences in the Implementation Period Prior to Voluntary Assisted Dying Becoming Available in their Hospital in Victoria, Australia. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:71-88. [PMID: 36800132 PMCID: PMC10126061 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-022-10224-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In the Australian state of Victoria, legislation allowing voluntary assisted dying (VAD) passed through parliament in November 2017. There was then an eighteen-month period before the start date for patient access to VAD, referred to as the "implementation period." The implementation period was intended to allow time for the relevant government department and affected organizations to develop processes before the Act came into effect in June 2019. This qualitative interview study investigates the perspectives of a multidisciplinary sample of twelve clinicians from a single metropolitan hospital during this implementation period. Maximum variation sampling was utilized to ensure breadth across discipline (medical, nursing, allied health), speciality, and stated level of support for the VAD legislation. Four key themes were identified from the interview data: preparing for the unknown, ethical diversity within the organization, building a respectful culture, and concerns about the inability of the legislated approach to capture clinical nuances. Overall, these clinicians' workplace experiences during the implementation period were shaped by the ethical diversity within their organization and a sense of uncertainty about how the VAD legislation would integrate with the practical realities of their clinical setting. The concept of "ethical diversity" could be a useful one for supporting staff in an organization during a VAD implementation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind McDougall
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Bridget Pratt
- Queensland Bioethics Centre, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Queensland 4000 Australia
| | - Marcus Sellars
- Department of Health Services Research & Policy, Research School of Population Health, College of Health & Medicine, The Australian National University, Australia, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2600 Australia
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7
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Lizzio-Wilson M, Thomas EF, Louis WR, Crane MF, Kho M, Molenberghs P, Wibisono S, Minto K, Amiot CE, Decety J, Breen LJ, Noonan K, Forbat L, Allen F. Using Latent Profile Analysis to Understand Health Practitioners' Attitudes Toward Voluntary Assisted Dying. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023:302228221149453. [PMID: 36826344 DOI: 10.1177/00302228221149453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Prior work has documented considerable diversity among health practitioners regarding their support for voluntary assisted dying (VAD). We examined whether their attitudes are characterised by different combinations of personal support, normative support by other health practitioners, and whether they are predisposed to vicariously experience others' emotions (i.e., empathy). We also examined whether these profiles experienced different mental health outcomes (i.e., burnout and posttraumatic stress) in relation to VAD. To test this, 104 Australian health practitioners were surveyed after VAD was legalised in Victoria, Australia in 2019. Results indicated that practitioners' attitudes were characterised by three profiles: 1) strong personal and normative support (strong VAD supporters), 2) moderate personal and normative support (moderate VAD supporters), and 3) lower personal and normative support (apprehensive practitioners). However, each profile reported similar mental health outcomes. Findings suggest that the normative environments in which health practitioners operate may explain their diverse attitudes on VAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgana Lizzio-Wilson
- Department of Psychology, The University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Emma F Thomas
- College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Winnifred R Louis
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Monique F Crane
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Madison Kho
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Susilo Wibisono
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kiara Minto
- School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Catherine E Amiot
- Département de Psychologie, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean Decety
- Department of Psychology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lauren J Breen
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kerrie Noonan
- Death Literacy Institute, University of Western Sydney, Penrith South, NSW, Australia
| | - Liz Forbat
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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Orth C, Henshaw D, Newman W. Doctors' attitudes to voluntary assisted dying in Queensland, Australia. Intern Med J 2023; 53:298-299. [PMID: 36822604 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Clinton Orth
- General Medicine and Palliative Care Advanced Trainee Registrar, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (Sunshine Coast), Queensland Health, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Henshaw
- Consultant General Medicine Physician, Noosa Hospital (Noosa), Queensland Health and Ramsay Health, Noosa, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wilfrid Newman
- Consultant General Medicine Physician, Noosa Hospital (Noosa), Queensland Health and Ramsay Health, Noosa, Queensland, Australia
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Wojtulewicz CM. Analysing the Assisted Dying Bill [HL] debate 2021. New Bioeth 2022; 28:350-367. [PMID: 35771712 DOI: 10.1080/20502877.2022.2090652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper considers the number of speeches which treat central topics in the House of Lords second reading of the 'Assisted Dying Bill' (October 22, 2021). It summarizes some of the principal arguments for and against the Bill according to the main categories of discussion. These were compassion; palliative care; autonomy, choice and control; legal and social effects. In summarizing the arguments thematically, it is possible to see the current state of the debate and how concerns are shared on either side, even if approaches to and proposed solutions for those problems are different. The paper concludes that the essential source of disagreement lies outside of the arguments raised, and therefore that any change in the law is not likely to arise from political consensus.
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10
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Willmott L, Feeney R, Yates P, Parker M, Waller K, White BP. A cross-sectional study of the first two years of mandatory training for doctors participating in voluntary assisted dying. Palliat Support Care 2022:1-7. [PMID: 35899414 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951522000931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) was legalized in Victoria, Australia, in June 2019. Victoria was the first jurisdiction in the world to require doctors to undertake training before providing VAD. This study examines data from doctors who completed the mandatory training in the first 2 years of the VAD system's operation (up to 30 June 2021). It describes the doctors who are undertaking VAD training, their post-training attitudes toward VAD participation, and their experiences of the mandatory training. METHODS Through the online training, doctors completed a short demographic survey and undertook formal assessment of knowledge (90% pass mark). They also were invited to complete an optional survey evaluating the training. RESULTS In total, 289 doctors passed the training, most commonly males (56%) aged 36-65 years (82%) from an urban location (72%). Most were more than 10 years post fellowship (68%) and practising as general practitioners (51%) or medical oncologists (16%). The training most commonly took 6 h (range 2 h to over 9 h). Most doctors passed the assessment at the first (65%) or second (19%) attempt. Almost all participants (97%) found the training helpful or very helpful and most reported being confident or very confident in their knowledge (93%) and application (88%) of the VAD legislation. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS Doctors reported the training was helpful and improved their confidence in knowing the law and applying it in clinical practice. The profile of trained doctors (particularly their location and specialty) suggests continued growth of participating doctors is needed to facilitate patient access to VAD. It is important that this safeguard does not discourage doctors' participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindy Willmott
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rachel Feeney
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Patsy Yates
- Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Malcolm Parker
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Katherine Waller
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ben P White
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Hewitt J, Grealish L, Bonner A. Voluntary assisted dying in Australia and New Zealand: Exploring the potential for nurse practitioners to assess eligibility. Collegian 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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12
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Attitudes and Arguments in the Voluntary Assisted Dying Debate in Australia: What Are They and How Have They Evolved Over Time? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312327. [PMID: 34886053 PMCID: PMC8656893 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides a broad discussion about voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Australia. The discussion examines the history of the VAD debate in Australia and whether public support for VAD and the arguments that have provided the framework for the VAD debate have evolved over time. This seems a prudent time to have such a discussion, given the very recent rush by all Australian states to bring about or attempt to bring about VAD legislation. This rush, inexplicably perhaps, comes after decades of attempted but failed progress in the legalisation of VAD in Australia. The authors attempted to undertake a systematic literature review for this paper, but the paucity of academic research and the lack of consistent terminology in this area made such a search untenable. Instead, the authors examined parliamentary documentation and then widened the search via the sources found within this documentation. The examination of available data showed that VAD has enjoyed significant public support from Australians over time and that the arguments in the VAD debate in Australia have been consistent over time.
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13
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Hardy JR, Philip J. Interests and conflicts when writing, reviewing and editing papers on voluntary assisted dying. Intern Med J 2021; 51:1563-1566. [PMID: 34664375 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janet R Hardy
- Mater Health, South East Queensland, Mater Research - University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jennifer Philip
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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14
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McDougall RJ, Ko D. Eligibility and access to voluntary assisted dying: a view from Victoria, Australia. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2021; 47:676-677. [PMID: 34526370 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2021-107795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind J McDougall
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Danielle Ko
- Department of Palliative Care, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Patient Safety and Clinical Excellence, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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