Understanding The Experiences of People Who Are Considering Ending Their Lives by Assisted Dying: an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Assisted dying (AD) is currently illegal in the United Kingdom (UK). Despite this, people from the UK are travelling abroad to organisations in Switzerland, such as Dignitas, in order to complete an assisted death. To be accepted by Dignitas an individual is assessed by a physician and has to either have a terminal illness or be experiencing unbearable suffering and must have capacity to make the decision to complete an assisted death. Although there has been a range of research conducted in countries where AD is legal, little is known about individuals in the UK who travel abroad to access AD. This study sought to explore the experiences of individuals based in the UK who were considering travelling abroad for an assisted death. This was achieved through the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of six participants following semi-structured interviews. Four core themes were identified: contemplating death, dying, and assisted dying; a desire for an honest and open discussion regarding AD; experiences of suffering and deteriorating health; and, the importance of autonomy and control. These findings show that people considering AD are experiencing a wide range of suffering related to their deteriorating health and are worried about the impact this will have on their future lives. Participants felt they had to hide parts of themselves from HCPs due to being unable to talk about their desire for AD. Participants wanted to be able to have autonomy and control over the manner of their death and knowing they could pursue AD brought them comfort. Professional governing bodies can do more to provide training and guidelines to allow HCPs to both support the suffering associated with a request for AD and also to act within the legal framework of the UK.