Attitudes of clinical psychologists and medical doctors to assisted dying in the UK: A mixed-methods survey

If assisted dying (AD) were legalized in the UK, clinical psychologists (CPs) and medical doctors would very likely be involved in its processes. However, evidence around these professional groups' attitudes to AD is limited. To understand attitudes of UK-based CPs and medical doctors to AD, 347 CPs (<i>n</i> = 292) and medical doctors (<i>n</i> = 55) completed a survey on AD attitudes, psychological wellbeing, psychological flexibility and demographics, with additional open questions. CPs held significantly more favorable attitudes toward AD than doctors. A regression model for CP data including age, years qualified, psychological wellbeing, psychological flexibility, sex, religiosity and ethnicity significantly predicted AD attitudes. Thematic analysis of open questions developed five themes: conceptualizing AD; navigating eligibility and access; risk and regulation; societal reform and infrastructure; and professional roles and dilemmas. These findings emphasize key variables in supporting CPs and doctors to potentially work around AD, highlighting needs for informed discussions and robust support systems.