Dr Juhaina Al Ruheili

Dr Juhaina is a senior house officer at Waikato DHB. She has special interest in palliative medicine.

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Exploring RMOs understanding of the NZ End of Life Choice Bill (EOLC)​

​Aims: 
​The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and understanding of a group of Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) on the proposed New Zealand End Of Life Choice Bill (EOLC) legislation.

Methods: 
A 10-question anonymised survey was sent via email to RMOs (PGY1-PGY4) employed by Waikato DHB. Survey period (8 weeks), June 2019 - Aug 2019. Participants were asked a series of questions about the practical elements and workings of the proposed EOLC bill following its second reading in parliament.
 
Results: 
60/146 (41%) of RMOs responded to the survey.

In relation to the proposed EOLC bill legislation, 34% knew that any medical practitioner to whom a patient expresses their wish for assisted dying can facilitate this process. 41% did not know practitioners are obliged as a minimum, to refer patients to the Support and Consultation for End of Life in New Zealand (SCENZ) group, if a request was received.

80% correctly recognised that two independent medical doctors and a mental health specialist (if deemed necessary) should assess patient’s eligibility. However, only 8% knew the explicit criteria defining adequate mental capacity, was the patient’s understanding that assisted dying will lead to death.

35.5% thought assisted dying would be recorded on the death certificate of patients undertaking this process, which is not the case.
 
Conclusions: 
This study suggests a limited understanding  amongst RMOs regarding key aspects of the proposed EOLC bill, including areas with potential implications towards their future practice. This survey highlights the need for education for RMOs around the potential impact from implementation of the EOLC bill.
 
References:
Seymour, D. (2017). End of Life Choice Bill ( Explanatory notes: First reading. New Zealand Legislation Bills.