General practitioners’ experiences of voluntary assisted dying in Queensland

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is lawful in all Australian states, and doctors are an integral part of the VAD process. There are limited reports so far on general practitioners' (GPs') experiences with VAD. This study explores GPs' perspectives on the first year of VAD in Queensland and any factors that influence choices on whether to participate in VAD. METHOD: This was a qualitative interview study of 12 GPs with no in-principle objection to VAD, undertaken 1 year after VAD became available in Queensland. RESULTS: Thematic analysis identified four themes: nature of GPs' participation, various factors influencing participation, experience of GPs with VAD provision and the ongoing needs of GPs. DISCUSSION: This study highlights how GPs are well suited to VAD provision with their generalist approach to care. However, there are ongoing structural and logistical barriers to GP participation, including the need for appropriate remuneration and further education on VAD to support GP knowledge.