Global Qualitative Nursing Research (May 2023)

Medical Assistance in Dying: A Review of Canadian Health Authority Policy Documents

  • Robyn Thomas,
  • Barbara Pesut,
  • Gloria Puurveen,
  • Sally Thorne,
  • Carol Tishelman,
  • Betsy Leimbigler

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/23333936231167309
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10

Abstract

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The purpose of this study was to describe policies developed by English-speaking Canadian health authorities to guide multi-disciplinary healthcare practice in the context of MAID. Seventeen policies from 9 provinces and 3 territories were identified and analyzed thematically. Themes developed from these documents related to ensuring a team approach to care, supporting informed patient choice, creating region-specific guidance on eligibility criteria and safeguards, accommodating conscientious objection, and making explicit organizational responsibilities. Ethical language concerned vulnerability, non-judgmental care, dignity, non-abandonment, confidentiality, moral conscience, and diverse cultural values. Overall, these policies addressed important risk mitigation strategies, acknowledged important social contracts, and supported ethical practice. Collectively, these policies outline important considerations in the evolving Canadian context for other jurisdictions seeking to create policy around assisted death.