Reflections of Voluntary Assisted Dying from a Palliative Care Perspective

From a Queensland Experience

VAD has been available in Queensland since January 2023. This service has had a significant impact on the delivery of palliative care within the state in both the community and hospital setting. This webinar focuses on the personal reflections of a Nurse Practitioner working in the field and the evolving roll out of this service and it's relationship with the palliative care services in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
CPD HOURS: 1
 Registration Year 2024-2025

Course Content

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) has been available in Queensland since January 2023. This service has had a significant impact on the delivery of palliative care within the state in both the community and hospital setting.

Voluntary assisted dying is an additional end-of-life choice that gives eligible people who are suffering and dying the option of asking for medical assistance to end their lives.
There are strict eligibility criteria for accessing voluntary assisted dying.

A person must meet all the eligibility criteria to access voluntary assisted dying:

  • Have an eligible disease, illness or medical condition
  • Have decision-making capacity
  • Be acting voluntarily and without coercion
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Fulfill residency requirements.

This webinar focuses on the personal reflections of a Nurse Practitioner working in the field and the evolving roll out of this service and it's relationship with the palliative care services in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. This is aided by the use of several case studies to highlight the salient points. 

Learning Outcomes

In this session you will:
  • Gain an understanding of the impact of VAD on palliative care patients and their families
  • Reflect on your own personal views regarding VAD
  • Understand the opportunities and challenges the palliative care paradigm has in regards to the VAD service
  • Review the use of VAD from a case study perspective

David Ruzicka

Master of Palliative care, Master of Nursing Science (Nurse Practitioner) RN, NP, MPC,MNS

David is a nurse practitioner with over 14 years of clinical experience in palliative care. David has worked in both the acute and community sector within various Queensland health facilities throughout the state.