Physician experiences with medical assistance in dying: Qualitative study in northwestern Ontario

To explore physician experiences with medical assistance in dying (MAID).

An exploratory qualitative research approach using thematic analysis.

Six communities in northwestern Ontario.

Twenty-three physicians who perform, refer patients for, or are otherwise affected by MAID.

One semistructured focus group and one-to-one interviews, transcribed and analyzed thematically.

The legislation of MAID added a layer of complexity to the work of physicians in northwestern Ontario, as MAID requires physician leadership, knowledge, time, and careful implementation. Four themes were identified from the interviews that unpacked this additional layer of complexity: relationships, motivation, time and resources, and getting others on board.

The logistics of health care delivery in northwestern Ontario communities are complex and layered, which contributes to the burden of physicians as they work to provide MAID.