Neuro-oncology clinicians’ perspectives on factors affecting brain cancer patients’ access to medical assistance in dying: A qualitative study

Abstract

In most jurisdictions where medical assistance in dying (MAiD) is legal, patients must have decision-making capacity. Brain cancer often damages the cognitive networks required to maintain decision-making capacity. Using qualitative methodology guided by a relational ethics conceptual framework, this study explored neuro-oncology clinicians’ perspectives on access to and eligibility for MAiD for patients diagnosed with brain cancer. We interviewed 24 neuro-oncology clinicians from 6 countries. Participants described the unique challenges facing brain cancer patients, potentially resulting in their inequitable access to MAiD. The findings highlight the importance of early end-of-life conversations, advance care planning, and access to end-of-life treatment options.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Division of Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto; the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; the Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care (GIPPEC); the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, and the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (OMOHLTC). The views expressed are not necessarily those of the OMOHLTC.