Family experiences, grief and loss after voluntary assisted dying

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) legislation has now been passed in most Australian jurisdictions. With multiple close people bereaved by every death that occurs, it is important for general practitioners (GPs) to consider the impact and best management of grief for family and loved ones of Australians who die in this manner.

This article will aim to increase GP knowledge in the area of bereavement after VAD by providing an overview of family experiences, risk and protective factors to consider on the basis of international and Australian research as well as possible helpful interventions and referral pathways.

As with all grief experiences, there can be a variety of normal reactions to loss after VAD. When working with this population, it is important to be aware of possible nuanced experiences including levels of preparedness; helpful experiences of values, meaning making and continued bonds to the person who died; hidden experiences of carers including ambivalence regarding VAD; and the possibility of stigma or secrecy.