Work

Voluntary assisted dying in Queensland: doctors’ perceptions of its first year of operation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) became legal in Queensland in January 2023. This research examines the perceptions of doctors who have no in-principle objection to VAD, about the first year of VAD operation. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 27 doctors 1 year after VAD had been in operation. RESULTS: Three themes were developed: VAD is largely accepted as an end-of-life option and there is a collaborative approach with palliative care; VAD is being delivered as a public medical service, providing high-quality, timely access; and despite provision as a public medical service, there are remaining system access issues. CONCLUSIONS: The first year of VAD in Queensland has been generally positive, however, ongoing system access issues need to be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability of the service.

Source: Australian Health Review

DOI: 10.1071/ah25055

Authors: Laura Ley Greaves, Rachel Feeney, Lindy Willmott, Ben P. White

Institution: Queensland University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: Australian Government