Building a Compassionate Community: A Patient-Oriented Approach for Persons Seeking Medical Assistance in Dying

Island Health has the highest rate of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) provision in BC. Recent research has highlighted gaps in support for equity-deserving populations seeking MAiD. MAiD legislation now allows provision for people whose natural death is not foreseeable; however, they do not meet criteria for palliative or end-of-life care. Rising rates of substance use, mental health disorders, and homelessness further underscore the need for compassionate, supportive care for those considering MAiD. Many non-profit community organizations that provide health and social services for equity-deserving groups lack awareness about MAiD and its processes, limiting their ability to offer informed support.  

Dr. Variath and her team have received a Health Research BC Health Equity Grant to address these gaps and foster collaboration between Island Health’s MAiD program, people with lived or living experiences, and local community support organizations. The primary goals are: 1) to explore and strengthen community-based supports available for equity-deserving populations seeking MAiD on Vancouver Island and 2) to enhance awareness and understanding of MAiD among community support organizations. This project will establish a strong foundation for developing an integrated Compassionate Community approach that offers wrap-around support to persons seeking MAiD and their families.