Forced and chosen transfers for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) before and during the COVID 19 pandemic: A mixed methods study. Issue 9 (21st October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wiebe, Ellen; Sum, Brian; Kelly, Michaela; Hennawy, Mirna
• Is Part Of: Death studies. Volume 46:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: 2266
• Page End: 2272
• Publication Date: 2022-10-21
• Subjects: Death -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Terminal care -- Periodicals; Death -- Moral and ethical aspects -- Periodicals; 306.9
• DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2021.1888824
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0748-1187

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe the experience of people who transferred locations for MAiD. It used mixed methods with a chart review from one health authority and interviews with key informants across Canada. In the chart review, we found that of 444 MAiD deaths, 42 (9.5%) were forced to transfer due to the religious affiliation of the facility and 33 (7.4%) chose to transfer. In 23 interviews with 18 key informants we found that the most important theme was the suffering caused by forced transfers. COVID-19 restrictions led to fewer choices and more suffering.