Nurses' Perceptions of Practice Supports Related to Medical Assistance in Dying

Since the inception of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada in 2016, the health care system continues to refine MAiD delivery models. The frameworks informing nursing practice related to MAiD are subject to variability across the country, leading to nursing role ambiguity and barriers in relational practice. Using critical incident technique, this qualitative research study explores the experiences of 7 Canadian nurses engaging with patients seeking MAiD. Semistructured interviews were conducted to understand the nurses' perceptions of the helping, hindering, and desired elements of current nursing practice supports within the context of MAiD. Eighteen significant incidents were included in the data analysis. Findings demonstrate that gaps in practice support exist related to nursing role clarity, educational support to enrich therapeutic communication skills, and staff-focused resources, such as debriefing and improved communication networks. Understanding nursing experiences within this context highlights the need for more consistent nursing practice frameworks and clinical practice supports to facilitate improved therapeutic relationships and patient care.