Nurse practitioners’ participation in voluntary assisted dying in Australia: A mixed methods study

Background Access to voluntary assisted dying in Australia is affected by the availability of authorised and willing health practitioners. Nurse practitioners (NPs) play a vital role in helping patients and their families navigate voluntary assisted dying processes, but can be constrained by laws governing eligibility assessment, prescribing, and administration. Evidence about NPs' experiences of, and willingness to participate in voluntary assisted dying in Australia, remains limited. Aim To explore NPs' willingness to participate in voluntary assisted dying, and the factors that influence participation. Methods A convergent mixed methods study design using an online survey and semistructured interviews. Findings Forty-one NPs completed the survey, with a subsample of seven participating in an interview. Most participants had knowledge of and supported voluntary assisted dying. Three themes were identified from the interviews: (i) NP expertise and limitations, (ii) complex systems create access barriers, and (iii) human connection and relationships. Integrating the results confirmed that NPs are willing to participate in a range of voluntary assisted dying activities, particularly where those skills were part, or an extension of their current practice. Discussion NPs are open to engaging in voluntary assisted dying activities within their scope of practice. Their support reflects their professional ethical values and desire to minimise suffering at the end of life. Conclusion Voluntary assisted dying requires access to willing practitioners, and NPs are prepared to assist. With legislative amendment, greater NP participation could improve the sustainability of the workforce and enhance access.