Transitions throughout the cancer care continuum are often not consciously perceived by patients and their families, however that perception changes when crises occur that require conscious, reactive change. One of the most significant transitions experienced by cancer patients comes where there are no further treatment options possible, or acceptable, and they enter the end-of-life phase of their cancer journey.
This transition to end of life care has become more complex in recent years in Australia, since the introduction of Voluntary assisted dying laws that have undoubtedly impacted the choices and autonomy afforded to dying persons. Where Palliative Care aims to help people to live as well as possible with their disease – neither prolonging or shortening their natural life – addressing spiritual, physical and existential aspects of distress. Despite this goal, there have long been those who wish for a hastened death, feeling that this was the ultimate demonstration of autonomy and allowing them dignity at end of life. Voluntary assisted dying laws were introduced in response to this perception, with all states allowing persons with a terminal illness causing intolerable suffering access to a substance which they can choose to take (or have administered) that will allow them to die at a time and place of their choosing.
This presentation will discuss the complex interplay between these two seemingly opposed end of life options; discuss evolving models of care in this space; and explore how care can be improved to allow for more seamless transitions for those facing end of life decisions, regardless of the choices that person makes, to provide truly person-centered care.