Matters about life and death: A qualitative exploration of palliative care providers’ communication about medical assistance in dying
Final Report Abstract
Medical aid in dying (MAID, here used as a synonym for assisted suicide) is illegal in Massachusetts, USA. However, patients do inquire about MAID. This study therefore examined how palliative care providers in Massachusetts communicate about MAID inquiries and what they need to feel well prepared for such conversations. Methods: We conducted a qualitative interview study with n=16 physicians and nurse practitioners working in palliative care in Massachusetts. In the interviews, participants were asked about their experiences and needs related to communication about MAID. Data are analysed using qualitative content analysis. Preliminary results suggest that palliative care providers in Massachusetts are approached by patients about MAID, albeit infrequently. Many of the participants then make an effort to inquire about and understand the underlying suffering and seek to offer legal alternatives to alleviate this suffering. Participants also expressed the need to be clear about their own attitudes (intra-personally) and boundaries (intra-personally and explicitly-interpersonally). In addition, the need for reliable information and guidelines on legal and communication aspects and for open intra-team reflection on MAID was expressed. Final results are being analyzed at the time of this report. The results of this study aim to shed light on how palliative care providers communicate with their patients about MAID, although MAID is not legal, and what needs the providers experience in this regard. The results may provide a scientific basis for efforts to improve communication about MAID inquiries.
