84 Exploring carers’/families’ experiences of voluntary assisted dying: a scoping review of qualitative research

<h3>Background/Aims</h3> Despite continuing controversy and potential ethical complications, the number of jurisdictions that permit voluntary assisted dying (VAD) is increasing globally. Whilst patients’ choice and control remain paramount, families and carers play a vital role throughout the person’s VAD journey. However, their experiences are often inadequately recognised in organisational guidelines and throughout the VAD process. This scoping review explores the qualitative literature related to carers’ and families’ lived experiences of the VAD process – from its inception to after the patient’s death. Methods: A literature search was conducted in five electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsycINFO and Scopus. Articles published in English, between 2015–2025, that included qualitative narratives of families’/carers’ experiences in jurisdictions that have legalised VAD were selected. <h3>Results</h3> Thirty-two articles meeting the inclusion criteria were thematically analysed. Preliminary results suggest four main themes: 1) systemic barriers and facilitators to accessing VAD, 2) the impact of religion, ethics, and culture, 3) patients’ choice and control and 4) families’ and carers’ different, and often starkly contrasting, experiences of a loved one’s VAD process. <h3>Conclusions</h3> This scoping review highlights the nature and importance of the families’ and carers’ roles and draws attention to their dichotomous experiences throughout, and after, the VAD process. Including families’ and carers’ perspectives in future VAD service development and provision is warranted, as families and carers play a significant role in, and are significantly affected by, VAD processes and outcomes. Future research is needed exploring carers’ and family’s support needs and the role of health professionals.