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Psychologists may play a significant function in serving to Australians navigate voluntary assisted dying (VAD), however new Edith Cowan College (ECU) analysis reveals there are important boundaries stopping them from doing so.
The research led by Grasp’s pupil Dr. Vivienne Heng with Affiliate Professor Eyal Gringart is likely one of the first to discover Provisionally Registered Psychologists’ (PRPs) views of VAD.
The paper, “The Perspectives of Provisionally Registered Psychologists on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Australia: An In-Depth Qualitative Investigation” is printed within the journal OMEGA—Journal of Dying and Dying.
“Understanding the perspectives of PRPs on VAD is important in the early phase of VAD implementation in Australia to help address gaps in psychological support for key VAD stakeholders in VAD care,” Dr. Heng mentioned.
In-depth interviews with 20 PRPs revealed they supported VAD for terminally ailing sufferers and expressed the potential for its use with folks dwelling with dementia. Nevertheless, they expressed little curiosity in partaking with VAD care due to the boundaries confronted.
“The participants interviewed reported emotional strain, fear of litigation, a lack of education and professional exposure, unclear practice and ethical guidelines, and inadequate remuneration as key deterrents,” Dr. Heng mentioned.
Dr. Heng mentioned PRPs additionally reported being discouraged from collaborating in VAD care due to the “gag clause.”
“The gag clause is in effect in many states in Australia, with Victoria recently proposing amendments to repeal this clause,” she mentioned.
“It prevents health professionals like doctors and psychologists from raising the topic of VAD.”
VAD demand rising, however future psychologists not engaged
All Australian states and the ACT have now legalized VAD and most are within the implementation section. NT is at present within the session section.
Dr. Heng mentioned an growing old inhabitants and an increase in power sicknesses was creating an rising demand for psychological well being assist throughout end-of-life selections.
Nevertheless, psychologists, who’re uniquely certified to evaluate psychological capability and assist sufferers and households handle the emotional weight of such selections, remained largely absent from the VAD course of.
“Despite their fit and relevance, psychologists are rarely involved in end-of-life care, and only about one percent self-report palliative care expertise,” Dr. Heng mentioned.
Analysis findings may assist inform curriculum reform for end-of-life care
Affiliate Professor Gringart mentioned, traditionally, psychologists have proven much less interplay with and attraction to working with older adults and early coaching in that context has been proposed to extend their involvement.
“However, VAD is a relatively new field in Australia and is still undergoing changes regarding laws and eligibility criteria,” he mentioned.
“Psychology Masters college students throughout all APAC accredited college packages in Australia are educated to supply psychological well being assist round demise and dying in addition to grief.
“VAD specific issues in Australia will be born out in research that could then inform curriculum.”
“Our findings are timely because, as VAD gains ground in law and practice, research into the psychological needs of all VAD stakeholders can inform end-of-life curricula and training of our upcoming psychologists.”
The function psychologists may play
The research reinforces the important function psychologists may play in supporting the well-being of sufferers, households and well being care professionals throughout VAD via psychological well being care, grief and bereavement counseling, capability assessments, and broader neighborhood training.
“This is not just about ticking a box for mental capacity,” Dr. Heng mentioned.
“It’s about navigating life and death with compassion, providing inclusive, holistic and evidence-based care in an empathetic and non-judgmental way—psychologists are well-placed to help do that.”
Extra info:
Ker-ni Vivienne Heng et al, The Views of Provisionally Registered Psychologists on Voluntary Assisted Dying in Australia: An In-Depth Qualitative Investigation, OMEGA – Journal of Dying and Dying (2025). DOI: 10.1177/00302228251350511
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Finish-of-life care lacking a key participant: The psychologist (2025, August 22)
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