End of life care where every patient matters. Voluntary assisted dying: an Australian experience.

Abstract

The option for end of life through Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) is either in place or will be in all states in Australia in the coming 12 to 18 months. Victoria has paved the way for the introduction of VAD in Australia. At Epworth, despite limited Australian experience, we have developed a comprehensive, patient and family focused care delivery model. Through the guidance of the Epworth Board, a specially constituted working group, comprising representatives from all Epworth sites and care providers, plans were developed to ensure that staff and doctors were adequately prepared to respond to the legislation. The working group was required to develop a service model that supported Epworth patients requesting information and assistance with understanding and accessing Voluntary Assisted Dying. This approach ensured legislative requirements were met whilst delivering a nurse led patient and family focussed compassionate end of life care option. This study describes the process we utilised for implementation of the legislation and outcomes of the first three and half years of care.