Current projects
Our current projects include assisted dying support groups for families and exploring the early experiences of the assisted dying service in Aotearoa.
Exploring the early experiences of the assisted dying service in Aotearoa
The End of Life Choice Act (2019) heralds a paradigm shift in end-of-life care in Aotearoa. While providing new choices for people with a terminal illness, assisted dying (AD) also creates new challenges for patients, family/whānau, health practitioners and the health system.
Developed through stakeholder engagement, this project explores the early experiences of 100 people from key groups involved across the AD process including:
- individuals deemed eligible for AD
- individuals deemed ineligible
- eligible individuals who did not complete AD
- bereaved families
- AD providers
- conscientious objectors
- relevant health services
- representatives from a case study iwi.
Findings from these qualitative data will enhance the AD service's aims to be ‘safe’, accessible, and equitably available to all eligible New Zealanders. They will also identify key areas for further AD research. Project outcomes will contribute to monitoring AD, regulatory review, guidance for AD providers, and patient and family information.
Funder: Health Research Council
Contact: jessica.young@vuw.ac.nz
Assisted dying support groups for families and professional
Assisted dying (AD) is resulting in new forms of grief. This research aims to co-develop, implement, and evaluate bereavement support groups for addressing the multifaceted grief experienced by families and health and social care professionals (HSPs) involved in AD. Two support group facilitation guides will be co-developed by stakeholders. Family support groups aim to provide a space to process the unique aspects of AD bereavement, express feelings, share experiences, and receive support in navigating the potential stigma. HSP support groups aim to help them cope with the emotional and ethical challenges of being involved with AD, coping strategies, self-care, and maintaining professional boundaries and resilience.
This initiative will be evaluated to create the evidence base for supporting those involved in AD and educating the professionals helping them. This project will lead to a health delivery grant application that provides safe, specialised, and effective AD bereavement support for families and HSPs.
Please email to express your interest if you:
- live in the Auckland area and would consider participating in a support group for family members bereaved by assisted dying
- or you are a health professional who has supported a person through assisted dying,
Contact: aida.dehkhoda@vuw.ac.nz