Watching the watchmen

Changing tides in the oversight of medical assistance in dying

Bibliographic Data

ID21515041
AuthorsSean Riley (0000-0002-2005-030X, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume49
Issue7
Pages453-457
Publication date2023-07-01
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Medical Ethics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0306-6800 • E-ISSN: 1473-4257
PublisherBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/jme-2022-108470
PMID36150893
OpenAlexW4296846099
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited10

The recent wave of medical assistance in dying legalisation raises questions about proper oversight of the practice as new systems for data collection, case assessment and public reporting emerge. Newer systems, such as in Spain, New Zealand and Colombia, are eschewing the retrospective approach used for case assessment in older systems, particularly those in the Netherlands, Belgium and the USA, in favour of an approach requiring more extensive review prior to the procedure. This shift aims to increase compliance with each jurisdiction’s specific safeguards and legal criteria as well as to protect vulnerable patients, but also risks stifling access to the practice and increasing administrative burden on clinicians and patients. Newer systems also tend to favour more extensive data collection than older systems, while failing to be as transparent with public reporting. Inconsistency in data collection and public reporting make it difficult for researchers, policymakers and the public to assess the practice and help achieve a balance between access and compliance. Research on oversight activities is sparse, and there is a need for clarity to determine how best to handle violations of the law and how to create best practices

Criminology · Political science · Healthcare cost, quality, practices · Law · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Patient Dignity and Privacy · Psychology

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