154 ‘There is a time to be born and a time to die’ can palliative care professionals offer optimised patient care meeting the needs of the individual through supported dying when patients or families have expressed an interest in assisted dying?

<h3>Background/Objectives</h3> In the current climate it is not unusual to hear patients or relatives when they are given a life-limiting diagnosis to express that they would prefer an assisted death. This study explores the perceptions and the lived experience of professionals caring for patients with limited life expectancy who have expressed an interest in assisted dying (AD). <h3>Methods</h3> A qualitative research study including data from an organisational data-base, survey-questionnaires and a multi-professional focus group. <h3>Results</h3> Data was collated and analysed from 100 deaths of patients who had been cared for by the hospice in a 2 month period. 18/40 survey questionnaires were returned and a focus group was conducted with 6 healthcare professionals who had all experienced patients and or relatives expressing a wish for AD. The data collection demonstrated a consistently high level of care and supported dying (SD). The responses to the survey questionnaire indicated a discomfort with the concept of AD for those working in supportive care but an acknowledgement that definitions can be misunderstood by patients and families. The focus group prompted a consensus of shared opinion and determination to enhance SD as opposed to AD. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The future possibility of the legalisation of AD in the UK highlighted the need for palliative care health care professionals to develop an informed and compassionate response to requests from patients and their families. (see survey results) There was an overwhelming consensus that AD cannot become a part of supportive palliative care, and that more effort needs to be put into enabling individuals to die well.