Educational content and strategies to support nurses from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds caring for patients considering voluntary assisted dying: The Australian experience

Abstract

Objectives

Drawing on findings from a qualitative study that aimed to explore the knowledge and attitudes of nurses from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds about voluntary assisted dying (VAD). The study also aimed to identify the strategies that assist nurses in their readiness and preparation for exposure to VAD. This paper reports on the educational content and strategies that could assist nurses from CALD backgrounds to be better prepared when they encounter VAD requests.

Background

Around the world, healthcare professionals have roles to play in caring for patients requesting voluntary assisted dying. Nurses, particularly those from diverse geographic and clinical settings, have voiced inadequate knowledge and understanding about voluntary assisted dying.

Design

A qualitative descriptive approach was undertaken.

Methods

Data collection involved one focus group and 16 in-depth interviews. A total of 21 nurses from CALD backgrounds were recruited from one Australian state. Thematic analysis was conducted to interpret the data.

Findings

Nurses identified their knowledge gaps and specified the need for education and workplace training on VAD, its legal and ethical aspects, clarity on their role, communication techniques and how VAD intersects with their practice. They suggested various teaching strategies that could prepare nurses to work safely and confidently in a clinical environment where voluntary assisted dying is an option for patients.

Conclusion

Given the high number of nurses from diverse backgrounds working in the Australian health sector, these nurses need to be fully prepared to care for patients requesting VAD.