Strategizing a Qualitative Research Agenda for the Evolving Practice of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in Track 2

Authors

  • Sally Thorne, RN, PhD, FCAHS, FAAN, FCAN, CM School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Author
  • Laurel Plewes, RN, MSN School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Author

Abstract

Since the advent of medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada in June 2016, the qualitative research community has been actively engaged in asking and answering questions related to the human and system complexities associated with its practice. While a broad spectrum of research using a full range of methodological approaches has contributed to an increasingly solid evidence base for best practices and support systems, qualitative inquiry has been used to illuminate and document the nuanced experiences of MAiD seekers, their families, caregivers, communities, and the health care providers supporting these patients and/or directly participating in coordination, assessment and provision. These insights gained from qualitative inquiries have helped strengthen the MAiD community’s collective recognition of patterns and trends in the complexities of this practice, offering a basis for interpretation and management as our systems evolve and adapt over time.

Author Biographies

  • Sally Thorne, RN, PhD, FCAHS, FAAN, FCAN, CM, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC

    Dr. Thorne is Professor Emeritus in the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia, where her long career in the study of chronic illness and cancer experience from the patient perspective became a natural foundation for turning to the study of MAiD in Canada. In addition to her extensive body of clinical research, she has been active in the development of new approaches to qualitative methods to address the knowledge needs of the applied and practice disciplines.

  • Laurel Plewes, RN, MSN, School of Nursing, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC

    Ms. Plewes is a Nurse by background and currently works as the Operations Director for the Vancouver Coastal Health Assisted Dying Program where she co-founded and has grown the program since January 2017. She supported the creation of the Health Canada Model Practice Standards for MAiD and is a Board Member of the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers. 

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Published

2025-12-16

Issue

Volume 1, Issue 1, Fall 2025

Section

Articles