RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Grief and bereavement of family and friends around medical assistance in dying: scoping review
JF BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
JO BMJ Support Palliat Care
FD British Medical Journal Publishing Group
SP bmjspcare-2022-003715
DO 10.1136/spcare-2022-003715
A1 Yan, Han
A1 Bytautas, Jessica
A1 Isenberg, Sarina Roslyn
A1 Kaplan, Ari
A1 Hashemi, Narges
A1 Kornberg, Mona
A1 Hendrickson, Tekla
YR 2022
UL http://spcare.bmj.com/content/early/2022/09/13/spcare-2022-003715.abstract
AB Objectives The increase in the number of jurisdictions legalising medical assistance in dying (MAiD) has contributed to a growth in the number of family and friends who may face unique elements of grief and bereavement. The aim of this study was to review the literature of grief and bereavement of family and friends following MAiD, and to summarise findings for the development of community resources and programming.Methods We performed a scoping review with workshop consultation of stakeholders. Six electronic databases and the grey literature were searched for qualitative, quantitative and review articles. Content-analytical techniques and multidisciplinary discussions led to the development of concepts and a conceptual framework.Results Twenty-eight articles met the inclusion criteria. We identified five concepts that impact the grief and bereavement of family/friends: relationships between family/friends and the patient as well as healthcare providers; aspects of MAiD grief which can include secrecy and/or anticipatory grief; preparations which may include family/friends and should be centralised and harmonised; end of life as an opportunity for ceremony; and the aftereffects during which mental health outcomes are studied.Conclusion This multidisciplinary scoping review incorporates stakeholder consultation to find that support is needed to address the complicated and changing emotions of family/friends before, during and after a MAiD death. Furthermore, additional societal normalisation of MAiD is necessary to reduce secrecy and stigma and improve the accessibility of resources for family/friends.