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Some 66 have had an assisted death, and 10 of these were in the aged residential care sector.
Given the role of registered nurses (RNs) in the aged care sector, and their long-term relationships with residents, they are centrally placed to be the first point of conversation for those considering using the assisted dying legislation. As the Act decrees that no health-care professional can initiate conversations about assisted dying, these requests can be unexpected and, as such, place RNs on the spot to respond.
A small team of researchers at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) want to talk to RNs who have responded to assisted dying service requests from aged care residents. We want to find out how you responded, whether the requests were unexpected and what, if anything, can be developed to support you in talking about assisted dying with residents as the service expands.
If you are interested in participating and willing to be interviewed virtually at a time to suit, contact Rhona or Lucy on 027-5147773, or 09-921-9999 x7123 or email [email protected] for further information. A koha of a $50 prezzie card will be given after completion of the interview.
Rhona Winnington, RN, PhD,
Auckland