Hospital Pharmacists' Experience with Medical Assistance in Dying

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Schindel, TJ
Woods, P
Mey, A
King, M
Navarrete, J
Gray, M
Griffith University Author(s)
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Date
2022
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Banff, Canada

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Abstract

Background: Pharmacists have been involved in medical assistance in dying (MAiD) practice in Canada since 2016 and in various international jurisdictions for over two decades. Despite their involvement, little is known about pharmacists’ actual experiences with MAiD. The experiences of pharmacists whose practice already encompasses MAiD will contribute to understanding pharmacists’ roles and supporting others in adopting this practice in other countries.Objective: To investigate pharmacists’ experiences with MAiD practice in the hospital setting.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with pharmacists that had cared for patients seeking MAiD. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. A framework analysis approach was used to analyze data. Analysis included coding of data and identification of themes through an iterative process involving constant comparison. Data were managed and stored using Quirkos and Microsoft Excel software.Results: A total of 19 hospital pharmacists representing a range of practice experience and settings in Alberta participated in the study between June 2019 and October 2020. Three themes illuminated participants’ experiences with MAiD: 1) finding a place, 2) serving in a patient-centred role, and 3) bearing emotional burdens. Several considerations influenced pharmacists’ decisions to participate in MAiD. The role focused on medication supply and documentation, yet it was experienced as a caring, patient-centred role. Opportunities to expand involvement beyond the medication-related responsibilities were welcomed by some participants. The experiences were associated with a range of emotions, both positive and negative. Partici-pants described supports and actions taken to ease emotional burdens. Conclusions: The results of this study will inform pharmacists, including those who are contemplating participation in MAiD practice, about the range of experiences associated with assisted dying practice. Pharmacy leaders may apply these results to further support pharmacists and expand pharmacists’ roles in MAiD.Declaration: Theresa J Schindel received funding from the CSHP Foundation.

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The Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy

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Together: Canada's Hospital Pharmacy Conference 2022

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75

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2

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Subject

Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences

Clinical pharmacy and pharmacy practice

Palliative care

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Pharmacology & Pharmacy

Science & Technology

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Schindel, TJ; Woods, P; Mey, A; King, M; Navarrete, J; Gray, M, Hospital Pharmacists' Experience with Medical Assistance in Dying, The Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, 2022, 75 (2), pp. 138-139