Ethical Dilemmas and Considerations for Nurses During the MAID Process: A Literature Review

Abstract

This literature review aims to investigate the ethical dilemmas nurses face following the legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada and identifies recommendations to mitigate moral distress felt within the nursing community. The CINAHL database was used to conduct a search for primary studies inclusive of MAID relating to the ethics within nursing and published since 2018. From the search results, three peer-reviewed articles were used to compare and contrast the ethical dilemmas that have arised from MAID within the nursing community. A vast majority of the moral conflicts presented are rectifiable and have occurred due to misinformation, lack of adequate education, distress caused by misunderstandings and judgment, and a lack of collegial support. To mitigate these moral tensions, it is recommended that education and training on MAID be implemented, as well as opening up conversations about ethics and MAID to help ensure nurses feel supported emotionally and professionally throughout the MAID process.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Emilene Reisdorfer