Regulating voluntary assisted dying at the clinical coalface: a qualitative interview study in Victoria, Australia

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Victoria, Australia, is governed by a stringent legislative framework, designed and enforced by the state, as well as other forms of regulation. However, there remains limited understanding about how these various forms of regulation operate at the frontline or how clinicians themselves can influence regulation.

This article explores how clinicians working at the frontline (clinical coalface) may influence the regulation of VAD in Victoria, and how this contributes to the safe and effective delivery of VAD.

Reflexive thematic analysis of 30 semistructured interviews with 37 'regulators' (defined as those capable of steering and guiding behaviour with respect to VAD).

Data analysis resulted in the generation of three main themes: (1) coalface regulation extends regulations at the clinical level, ensuring adherence to laws while developing new standards and systems for safe and effective practice; (2) coalface regulation guides day-to-day VAD practice; and (3) coalface regulation plays a critical role in quality monitoring and improvement.

Clinicians play a significant role in VAD regulation in Victoria and fulfil what we define as a 'coalface regulator' role. These coalface regulators are influential in ensuring the safe and effective delivery of VAD. Understanding how coalface regulation intersects with other forms of VAD regulation and how this regulatory influence can be harnessed is critical for optimising VAD regulation, safety and improving service delivery at a local and system level.