Sustaining the workforce: a qualitative study exploring voluntary assisted dying supports and self-care.

BACKGROUND

Victoria became the first Australian state to pass voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws. While the VAD workforce has reportedly found this work rewarding, it has been found to take a toll on the workforce, raising sustainability concerns for the system. Little is known about the self-care practices and support structures available to this workforce to support them in delivering VAD.

AIMS

This study sought to investigate self-care practices and support structures available to the Victorian VAD clinical workforce.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 37 VAD 'regulators' (i.e. people involved in steering and guiding behaviour in relation to VAD) between September 2022 and July 2023 and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified following analysis: (i) involvement in VAD is challenging; (ii) existing workforce supports and strategies; (iii) challenges with supporting and sustaining the workforce and attempts to address such challenges; and (iv) new approaches are needed to promote sustainability.

CONCLUSIONS

There are currently limited support systems and established self-care practices in place to assist the Victorian VAD clinical workforce. Consideration needs to be given to how current structures can be improved and what new strategies can be implemented to support the workforce and protect the system's sustainability.