The target audience for this course is all health practitioners working within SA Health.

Whilst the majority of health care practitioners will have no involvement in voluntary assisted dying (VAD), there may be situations where patients accessing voluntary assisted dying attend SA Health facilities. This course aims to prepare SA Health practitioners for these situations by ensuring they understand the key aspects of the VAD process and their rights and responsibilities as health care workers.

WARNING: The course contains a video which outlines the key aspects of the VAD process. The video does not show details of the administration of the VAD medication but does contain a simulated patient death.

Learning outcomes

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Be aware of the key roles, components and stages of the voluntary assisted dying pathway
• Be aware of the patient eligibility requirements for accessing voluntary assisted dying
• Understand the right to conscientious objection and appropriate ways to communicate this

WARNING: The course contains a video which outlines the key aspects of the VAD process. The video does not show details of the administration of the VAD medication but does contain a simulated patient death.

If you find this online module concerning or distressing, we encourage you to access services via the Support services for voluntary assisted dying or SA Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Prior to engaging with patients or staff on this subject please be respectful of cultural considerations. Please seek advice from peers or clinical supervisors when unsure.