Social Work and Voluntary Assisted Dying: We Have All The Tools We Need - Ep. 85
Nov 20, 2023
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Delve into the delicate role of social workers in voluntary assisted dying. Hear a poignant story of guiding an elderly man and his family through the process, emphasizing compassion, autonomy, and family involvement. Reflect on ethical considerations and social work principles, and creating safe spaces for end-of-life care conversations. Explore the value of support communities for social workers and gain insights into eligibility criteria and conversations for voluntary assisted dying. Farewell to Liz Murphy and a call to action for listeners.
Social workers play a crucial role in supporting individuals and families through the voluntary assisted dying process, emphasizing compassion, autonomy, and family involvement in end-of-life decisions.
Social workers need to proactively reflect on their scope of practice, ethics, and personal values regarding voluntary assisted dying, creating safe spaces for critical reflection and seeking support from virtual communities and colleagues.
Deep dives
Supporting the Voluntary Assisted Dying Process
This podcast episode explores the story of Bob, an elderly man living in Melbourne, who sought help to access voluntary assisted dying. A social worker supported Bob through the process, including assessments to determine his eligibility. The social worker accompanied Bob as he accessed the oral medication and supervised his self-administration. The episode emphasizes the importance of social workers providing support, being there as witnesses, and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for the person and their family. It highlights the need for social workers to reflect on their own values and ethical stance regarding voluntary assisted dying, as well as the significance of proactive discussions and community of practice in preparing for this changing practice field.
Empowering Individuals to Control their End-of-Life Choices
The podcast episode focuses on the compassionate response provided by social workers in the context of voluntary assisted dying. It highlights the importance of empowering individuals like Bob to exercise control over their end-of-life choices. The story exemplifies how social workers companion and witness individuals through the process, respecting their autonomy and decisions while offering support and post-death bereavement care. The episode also emphasizes the role of community education and outreach in ensuring a smooth and non-controversial implementation of voluntary assisted dying, thus mediating potential clashes in values and facilitating understanding and acceptance among practitioners and the wider community.
Preparing Social Workers for the Challenges of Voluntary Assisted Dying
The podcast episode discusses the necessity for social workers working in health settings to proactively reflect on their scope of practice, ethics, and personal values in relation to voluntary assisted dying. It emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for critical reflection and open discussions, whether through supervision, community of practice, or reaching out to colleagues. The episode highlights the need for social workers to be connected to their virtual community and seek support and guidance when grappling with new practice fields. It also underscores the adaptable nature of social work practice and the continuous reflection required as societal changes occur.
The Skill Set of Social Workers in Voluntary Assisted Dying
The podcast episode acknowledges the skill set possessed by social workers that aligns with the challenges of working in the field of voluntary assisted dying. It emphasizes that social workers have the necessary skills to navigate the ethical complexities, accompany individuals, and provide much-needed support and guidance during the process. The episode encourages social workers to lean on their existing knowledge and expertise, engage in reflective practice, and build confidence and competence in this evolving practice area. It also emphasizes the importance of community collaboration, interdisciplinary communication, and professional support networks in advancing social work practice in voluntary assisted dying.
Join hosts Lis Murphy and Mim Fox as they delve into the nuanced and delicate role of social workers in supporting individuals through voluntary assisted dying. As the state of New South Wales, Australia prepares to introduce voluntary assisted dying later this month, Mim and Lis frame the conversation by highlighting how this emerging field of practice adds depth to the already established wider skillset of social work.
The heart of the episode unfolds with a poignant story from a social worker who guided an elderly man and his family through the voluntary assisted dying process. The narrative emphasises the importance of compassion, autonomy, and family involvement in end-of-life decisions. Lis and Mim reflect on the ethical considerations and social work principles involved, stressing the need for preparatory supervision, paired with ongoing critical reflection. The episode concludes with insights into creating safe spaces for end-of-life care conversations and the value of in-person and virtual communities for support. This emotionally charged and timely episode provides a compelling exploration of the social work principles underpinning voluntary assisted dying, showcasing the skills and compassion social workers bring to these complex situations.
p.s. Don't forget to check out the latest episode of our sister podcast Social Work Discoveries!
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