Lay summary
The End of Life Choice Act (2019) heralds a paradigm shift in end-of-life care in Aotearoa. While providing new choices for people with a terminal illness, assisted dying (AD) also creates new challenges for patients, family, whānau, health practitioners and the health system. Developed through stakeholder engagement, this project explores the early experiences of 100 people from key groups involved across the AD process: individuals deemed eligible and ineligible for AD; eligible individuals who did not complete AD; bereaved families; AD providers; non-providers; relevant health services; and representatives from Taranaki Iwi as a case study. Findings from these qualitative data will advance the aims of enhancing the AD service to be ‘safe’, accessible, and equitably available to all eligible New Zealanders. They will also identify key areas for further AD research. Project outcomes will contribute to monitoring AD, regulatory review, guidance for AD providers, and patient and family