First conversations about voluntary assisted dying in general practice

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is now an available end-of-life choice everywhere in Australia, except the Northern Territory. Many patients will wish to have conversations about VAD with their general practitioner (GP), as a known and trusted first point of contact for health concerns. However, to date, VAD provision in the general practice setting has been limited.

This article outlines GPs' legal and professional requirements for engaging in first conversations about VAD with patients. It identifies current barriers to these conversations and offers guidance and advice to support GPs when navigating them.

GPs coordinate patient care across the lifespan, including end of life. Early conversations with patients about all end-of-life options, including VAD where legally permitted, can enable more timely access to optimal end-of-life care. VAD is a relatively new form of healthcare, and there can be legal, ethical, professional and therapeutic barriers to conversations about it.