Thesis
Understanding of Voluntary Assisted Dying among family members of older adults with mental illnesses: A phenomenological study
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Master of Science, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00995
Abstract
Background: Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) for older adults with a diagnosis of mental illnesses is surrounded by polarising views regarding its ethical and moral dilemmas. One of the requirements for VAD in Queensland is the presence of intact decision-making capacity, which might not be present in the case of individuals with mental illnesses. Family members play a crucial role in such cases, mostly in decision-making regarding such populations. The interdependence of patient and physician in this process is well recognised, but family members are not prioritised in the guiding documents of VAD. Thus, open questioning about the intention and blaming the family members is prevalent; it makes the journey of VAD traumatic and filled with dilemmas and presumptions. Mental illnesses are not usually acknowledged openly due to stereotypes and stigma. These all might influence the decision of individuals who want to opt for VAD, as choosing VAD is found to cause strain in personal relationships among family members. Past literature has focused on the views of physicians and staff participating in VAD. It is of utmost importance to explore the understanding of VAD among family members, too.
Aim: To explore the understanding of VAD among family members of older adults with mental illness. Methods: A phenomenological approach was adopted for this research. Three family members who were the carers of older adults with mental illnesses participated in semi-structured interviews. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was employed to analyse the data and explore the themes and subthemes of the study. Findings: Four themes were developed: exercising autonomy in life and death; finding clarity; being influenced by the complexity of mental illnesses; and navigating challenges and barriers. Subthemes were developed within these themes. Conclusion: The findings indicated that family members are still unaware of VAD, and the information related to it is still limited. Results from the present study illustrated the gap in understanding of VAD and depicted the burden of mental illnesses among the family members. There is a need to simplify the access points for mental health services, as data shows the burden of mental illnesses overpowering other concepts of study, namely, old age and VAD.
Details
- Title
- Understanding of Voluntary Assisted Dying among family members of older adults with mental illnesses: A phenomenological study
- Authors
- Ashmita Adhikari - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health
- Contributors
- Apil Gurung (Principal Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Healthy Ageing Research ClusterJohn Rosenberg (Co-Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Healthy Ageing Research Cluster
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Master of Science
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00995
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991195050702621
- Output Type
- Thesis
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