Implementing voluntary assisted dying in Victoria, Australia

Area of Science:

• Medical Law and Ethics
• Public Health Policy
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation was enacted in Victoria, Australia, in December 2017.
• An 18-month implementation period was established to manage clinical complexities and health service adaptations.
• The process required extensive planning and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation process of Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) in Victoria, Australia.
• To share insights from the planning and execution of VAD services.
• To provide a reference for other jurisdictions developing VAD frameworks.

Main Methods:

• Detailed health planning involving numerous health practitioners and community members.
• Focus on complementarity of tasks and robust safeguard implementation.
• Collaborative and reflective approach to ensure understanding and preparedness.

Main Results:

• Successful establishment of VAD services in Victoria, Australia.
• Identification of key challenges and successes in health service adaptation.
• Development of a comprehensive framework for VAD implementation.

Conclusions:

• Implementing VAD is a complex, time-intensive, and collaborative undertaking.
• Effective implementation requires broad stakeholder engagement and reflective practice.
• The Victorian experience offers valuable lessons for future VAD program rollouts.