Voluntary assisted dying: impacts on health professionals

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dc.contributor.authorLamba, G.T.
dc.contributor.authorLaBrooy, C.
dc.contributor.authorLewis, S.
dc.contributor.authorOlver, I.
dc.contributor.authorHolmes, A.
dc.contributor.authorStewart, C.
dc.contributor.authorKomesaroff, P.
dc.date.issued2024
dc.description.abstractObjective The introduction and implementation of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) legislation represents a major shift in Australian health policy. Given potential repercussions for health professionals, understanding how they are being affected by this legislation is important to guide future policy and legislative changes. This study aims to explore the perspectives and experiences of Australian health professionals on VAD and compare impacts on those working under different state legislation in Victoria and WA. Methods Data were collected using a cross-sectional survey design, targeting health professionals nationally, primarily doctors and nurses. The survey had closed and open-ended response options, was informed by previous publications and was piloted prior to further roll-out. Recruitment was via professional networks and social media. Quantitative data were descriptively analysed and qualitative data were coded using NVivo and thematically analysed. Results There was a final sample size of 223. Impacts on clinicians identified include inadequate remuneration, a need for ongoing support and the recognition of barriers to mandatory training. Conclusions Impacts on health practitioners, if not addressed, have future implications for workforce sustainability. Increasing numbers of trained VAD practitioners may enable distribution of clinical load and prevent burnout. VAD practitioners are not being appropriately remunerated, which could be addressed by introducing dedicated Medicare Benefits Schedule items for VAD. Attention should also be given to incentivising training, including continuing professional development accreditation and appropriate funding. Strategies to support staff could include debriefing, mentoring, peer support and psychological consultations.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityGeetanjali (Tanji) Lamba, Camille LaBrooy, Sophie Lewis, Ian Olver, Alexander Holmes Cameron Stewart, and Paul Komesaroff
dc.identifier.citationAustralian Health Review, 2024; 48(6):720-728
dc.identifier.doi10.1071/ah24142
dc.identifier.issn0156-5788
dc.identifier.issn0156-5788
dc.identifier.orcidOlver, I. [0000-0001-5478-1576]
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2440/144036
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherCSIRO Publishing
dc.relation.grantNHMRC
dc.relation.grantNHMRC
dc.rights© 2024 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of AHHA. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons AttributionNonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND).
dc.source.urihttps://doi.org/10.1071/ah24142
dc.subjectattitude to death; bereavement; death; end-of-life; health care reform; health policy; implementation; voluntary assisted dying
dc.subject.meshHumans
dc.subject.meshSuicide, Assisted
dc.subject.meshCross-Sectional Studies
dc.subject.meshAttitude of Health Personnel
dc.subject.meshAdult
dc.subject.meshMiddle Aged
dc.subject.meshHealth Personnel
dc.subject.meshVictoria
dc.subject.meshFemale
dc.subject.meshMale
dc.subject.meshSurveys and Questionnaires
dc.titleVoluntary assisted dying: impacts on health professionals
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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