Dr Laura Ley Greaves1, Professor Ben White1, Professor Lindy Willmott1, Dr Rachel Feeney1
1Australian Centre For Health Law Research, QUT, Brisbane, Australia
Biography:
Dr Laura Ley Greaves is a current PhD student at the Australia Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology. She is undertaking a longitudinal study looking at doctors’ experiences following the commencement of Voluntary Assisted Dying in Queensland. Laura’s background is as a medical doctor, where she has practiced in the UK and Australia. She has a particular interest in end of life ethics and recently completed a Masters in Practical Ethics from the University of Oxford, England.
Abstract:
Aims:
This study aimed to identify any change in perspective on participating in voluntary assisted dying (VAD) from implementation to a year into practice, and if so why.
Method:
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 doctors with no in principle objection to VAD, a year after voluntary assisted dying was available in Queensland, Australia (Jan – April 2024). These same doctors were previously interviewed during the implementation phase of VAD (May – Dec 2022).
Results:
From initial interviews, 21 participants planned on participating in VAD, 14 of whom subsequently became authorized practitioners. One participant who had not planned on providing also became an authorized practitioner. Not all authorized practitioners had frequent or ongoing involvement in VAD, 6 had little or no involvement within the first year. The reasons for non-participation or minimal participation of those within Queensland health included personal circumstances and the Hospital and Health Service (HHS) organizational set up for VAD provision, specifically designated time and funding for VAD provision. For those providing privately, participation was determined by personal relationship with the patient, workload and private billing ability. Future participation in VAD was determined by time and renumeration considerations. The need for more authorized practitioners was also identified, although it was unclear where these extra practitioners would provide.
Conclusion:
Participation in VAD in Queensland is largely determined by local HHS organizational set up for VAD provision. More practitioners are needed to meet service demand but it is unclear how this will work in practice.