Just Accepted
This article has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. It is in production and has not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.
Models of care for voluntary assisted dying: A qualitative study of Queensland’s approach in its first year of operation
Abstract
Objective: Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) began in Queensland in January 2023 but little is known about its practical operation. This research examined models of care for providing VAD in Queensland. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 participants involved with VAD delivery across Queensland’s 16 Health and Hospital Services (HHS). Participants included HHS VAD Coordinators, nurse practitioners and nurses who acted as administering practitioners, and Queensland VAD Support and Pharmacy Service (QVAD SPS) staff. Results: Five themes about Queensland VAD models of care were developed: VAD is accessed almost exclusively through the public sector via HHSs, influenced by a Health Service Directive; local models of care vary; nurses play significant roles facilitating access to and providing VAD; QVAD SPS has been instrumental supporting HHSs and ensuring statewide access as back-up VAD provider; and VAD services need more resourcing. Conclusions: The Queensland approach to providing VAD has been largely successful in ensuring patient access across the state. But it differs from previous Australian VAD models with access predominantly through the public sector, greater roles played by nurse practitioners/nurses, and VAD being provided by QVAD SPS. Under-resourcing and consistency in provision of VAD services remain challenges.
AH24199 Accepted 12 September 2024
© CSIRO 2024
