Attitudes and perceptions of Newfoundland and Labrador pharmacists toward participating in medical assistance in dying

Turner, Abigail (2019) Attitudes and perceptions of Newfoundland and Labrador pharmacists toward participating in medical assistance in dying. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Introduction: This thesis aimed to describe pharmacists’ willingness to participate in medical assistance in dying (MAiD) and potential barriers to their participation. Methods: A systematic review on the existing literature and a survey of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) pharmacists were conducted. Results: The systematic review found the majority of studies were conducted before 2002 and before MAiD was legal or where MAiD is still not legal. Pharmacists’ willingness to participate varied, and there was a gap in the literature on barriers and facilitators to the pharmacist’s role in MAiD. The survey of NL pharmacists found the majority were willing to participate, however NL pharmacists felt they lacked knowledge regarding MAiD (e.g. MAiD process, MAiD medications, information to provide patients on MAiD) and had concerns about the consequences of participating in MAiD. Conclusion: The majority of NL pharmacists are willing to participate in MAiD however, more supports (i.e. educational, emotional) are needed to better prepare and assist pharmacists in this new practice area. Furthermore, research is needed to evaluate pharmacists’ experiences with actual participation in MAiD.

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