Conversations with voluntary assisted dying health professionals (Voluntary Assisted Dying Board Annual Report 2023-24)
Deciding to participate in voluntary assisted dying as a health practitioner is a personal and professional decision. Interviews were held with staff from the South Australian Voluntary Assisted Dying Pharmacy Service (SAVAD-PS), South Australian Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator Service (SAVAD-CNS) and two Voluntary Assisted Dying Liaison Nurses to understand the experience of voluntary assisted dying from their perspective.
Conversation with a Voluntary Assisted Dying Care Navigator
Care Navigator Jess shared her experiences and reflections on her role in health care, particularly in supporting patients through voluntary assisted dying as a Care Navigator. Jess describes her work as:
‘incredibly rewarding and a huge privilege’
though she acknowledges the emotional challenges it brings, and the profound decisions patients face.
Motivated by her desire to make a difference, Jess expressed her commitment to being part of patients’ journeys and reflected that the emotional connection she shares with patients on the VAD pathway is greater than she expected:
‘it’s not just about what I can give to them, but also what they give to me, I probably wasn't expecting that return of emotion.’
Jess was surprised by the certainty of the patients seeking voluntary assisted dying, saying:
“I have not come across one patient yet that was tossing and turning... they are absolutely 1000% certain.”
She highlighted that, while families may feel uneasy:
“most of the time they say I’m not happy about it, but I’ll absolutely support it.”
This insight contrasted with her earlier assumptions about family opposition.
On the legislative front, she expressed concern about accessibility, stating:
‘It can’t be brought up as a healthcare choice... it’s a very unjust healthcare system.’
She believes that many individuals lack the health literacy to understand their options, advocating for changes that would ensure equitable access to voluntary assisted dying.
Discussing the importance of professional connection and support, Jess noted:
‘I really like the Community of Practice. I like that we get together as a big group, having those relationships is really important.’
Jess also reflected positively on team well-being initiatives that have been arranged this year for voluntary assisted dying staff and emphasised the significance of acknowledging the emotional weight of this work. She reiterated the importance of teamwork, saying:
‘You really need to be a team player because if you’re not, this is not the role for you.’
In conclusion, Jess underscored the need for strong communication skills and empathy in her role. Overall, Jess is passionate about her work and firmly believes in the significance of compassionate care within the context of voluntary assisted dying.
Conversation with Voluntary Assisted Dying Liaisons
Voluntary Assisted Dying Liaison Nurse Consultants Mandy and Joyce discussed their experiences and reflections on working in the voluntary assisted dying program. Both expressed a strong commitment to patient care, emphasising the importance of compassion and understanding in their roles. Joyce articulated this sentiment, stating:
‘It’s essential that we approach every conversation and interaction with empathy and respect for the patient’s journey.’
Mandy acknowledged the significance of voluntary assisted dying for patients seeking control over their end-of-life choices:
‘It’s a profound moment for them and being part of that is both an honour and a responsibility.’
Both Mandy and Joyce highlighted the emotional complexity of their work, with Joyce adding:
‘We often witness the courage it takes for patients to make this decision, and it inspires us to provide the best support and clinical care as possible.’
The interview also touched on the collaborative nature of the voluntary assisted dying program. Mandy remarked on the strong relationships built with other healthcare providers, saying:
‘Working as a team allows us to offer a more holistic approach to patient care.’
Joyce echoed this, emphasising the importance of communication within the team:
‘Having open dialogues helps us align our efforts, creates transparency along with clarity and truly focus on the patient’s needs.’
When discussing challenges, Mandy mentioned the regulatory constraints faced:
‘There are limitations that sometimes hinder our ability to reach out to patients as much as we’d like’
However, both were optimistic about the improvements in the system, with Joyce noting:
‘We’re seeing progress in how we can better support our patients and their families.’
In conclusion, the interview highlighted Mandy and Joyce's dedication to their work in the voluntary assisted dying program, showcasing their empathy and commitment to improving patient experiences. Joyce encapsulated this by stating:
‘Every interaction is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.’
This conversation underscores the profound impact of compassionate care in the context of voluntary assisted dying.
Conversation with a Voluntary Assisted Dying Pharmacist
Peter, a pharmacist involved in the Voluntary Assisted Dying program, describes his role in supporting patients through their end-of-life choices as an extraordinary privilege. Peter emphasises the profound connections formed during patient interactions, stating:
‘It’s the most extraordinary privilege for us to be invited into a person's home.’
Peter explained that the experience is more intense than typical pharmaceutical counselling, noting the opportunity to be able to engage with patients and make a connection is deep.
Reflecting on his background, Peter shared that his journey in healthcare began as a registered nurse, with a focus on end-of-life care.
‘Some of the most rewarding work in my nursing was in the care of the dying patient.’
This ultimately influenced his decision to pursue a career in pharmacy. Peter expresses a deep appreciation for the courage displayed by patients on the voluntary assisted dying pathway:
‘I admire the courage and the determination… People are content with the decision that they've made.’
Peter also highlights the importance of communication and education within the voluntary assisted dying program, both with patients and medical practitioners. He notes that working closely with a small group of practitioners creates a supportive community. There are no issues with us contacting people and having that hand-in-glove relationship. Peter finds the quarterly voluntary assisted dying Community of Practice meetings invaluable, saying:
‘those kinds of meetings just cement the relationships between those of us working in VAD it’s enormously valuable.’
Finally, Peter expresses his deep satisfaction with his work, noting a sense of professional fulfillment and sharing that his career has come full circle saying:
‘It is what I expected and hoped it would be, I’m ending my professional work doing the sort of intensely meaningful work with which my pathway began.”
This interview sheds light on the profound impact of the voluntary assisted dying program on both patients and healthcare providers.