Key challenges to providing assisted dying in Belgium: a qualitative study of health professionals’ experiences
Madeleine Archer1, Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology Brisbane 1Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Abstract
Introduction: Assisted dying has been legal in Belgium for over two decades. Evidence suggests that this system is working well, however, an investigation into key challenges experienced by those who provide assisted dying is needed. This is in light of recent developments to Belgian assisted dying law and practice, and research pointing to a complex regulatory framework for providers to navigate. This research sought to identify the key challenges that health professionals experience in providing assisted dying and navigating this regulatory system.
Methods: We conducted online, semi-structured interviews with health professionals involved in providing assisted dying between September 2022 and September 2023, in English or Dutch. An inductive approach to reflexive thematic analysis was used to generate semantic themes.
Results: While all participants generally perceive the system positively, they identified several key challenges associated with providing assisted dying. These include: the emotional and professional challenge of providing assisted dying; fears and anxiety around administration; fears around providing assisted dying for patients whose request is based on mental illness, following a recent criminal trial; patient misunderstandings about the regulatory framework; and difficulty applying the law in the clinical context. Health professionals also expressed concerns and uncertainty about expanding the law, and would like the law to be evaluated.
Conclusion: Despite globally endorsing the system, some persisting and novel challenges associated with providing assisted dying in Belgium exist. Consideration should be given to potential policy responses to address existing challenges, providing more support to providers, and an official evaluation of the legislation.
Authors: Madeleine Archer, Lindy Willmott, Luc Deliens, Kenneth Chambaere, Ben P White
Biography
Bio to come.