Dr. Caroline Variath is researching support gaps for people requesting MAiD, their families and caregivers.
Community engaged research is shaping tools to help people navigate local services.
A Vancouver Island University (VIU) researcher is working with community and patient partners to improve access to health and social resources for people involved in the medical assistance in dying (MAiD) program.
Nursing Professor Dr. Caroline Variath is researching potential gaps in support experienced by people requesting MAiD, their families and caregivers, as well as ways to address these gaps.
“Some people who are requesting MAiD are simultaneously seeking resources to improve their quality of life and navigating the death care systems,” says Variath.
To better understand what people need, Variath’s team conducted studies that centered people with lived experiences and community-engagement. They hosted information-gathering sessions in different Vancouver Island communities over the past two years. About 125 people participated, including MAiD applicants, family members, Indigenous Elders and partners, health-care providers and community organizations.
The team found that health and social services often operate separately, leaving patients and families to navigate different systems on their own. Available services can vary by community, and some people experiencing health inequities face extra barriers when trying to get help.
“Having information about and access to local community resources can help people make choices that reflect their circumstances and values, and may improve quality of life and end-of-life experiences,” Variath said.
Participants of the study identified two priorities: an easier way to find local health and social services, and a community-based program to help people navigate them.
The team responded to the first priority by creating a free online directory of health and social services across Vancouver Island, where users can search by region or type of service. The directory is designed for the public, families, health-care providers and community organizations.
The team is now working to secure funding to co-design and implement a community-based navigation program for people who have requested MAiD and their families. The program aims to reduce burden on patients and families while navigating complex health and social systems, and could also ease workload on local clinical teams.
Ultimately, Variath wants to “build a stronger connection” between health-care and community resources.
“Out goal is to help people maintain a good quality of life through to the very end.”
Media contact:
Eric Zimmer, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P: 250.618.7296 | E: Eric.Zimmer@viu.ca | W: news.viu.ca
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