22 Jul 2022

How nurses could be better supported to deal with assisted dying

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 22 July 2022
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Photo: 123rf.com

New Kiwi-led research has looked at what nurses involved in the process of voluntary assisted dying have experienced, and how it could lead to better support - both procedurally and emotionally. Ministry of Health data out last week shows that between November 2021 and June 30 this year,143 people had sought an assisted death in New Zealand, with most - 79 per cent - choosing to die at home. The research, led by AUT, found nurses could benefit from clear policy, psychological support, and specific guidance around difficult end-of-life conversations. Dr Margaret Sandham led the team investigating this, she's a Senior Lecturer of Nursing at the AUT School of Clinical Sciences and joins Lynn to explain what they found.