Lay summary
The Waerea end-of-life study investigates whānau Māori (n=40) experiences of accessing and using assisted dying (AD). Employing face-to-face interviewing methods, we will identify what helps and hinders whānau to access, navigate and use AD services, and we will explore the impact on whānau when access is declined. We identify how tikanga are used and adapted to support AD and bereavement. Twenty funeral directors, Māori health professionals, rongoā and tohunga practitioners will be interviewed to establish AD cultural competencies. An AD guide will be developed for whānau. Creative arts methods will inform the development of six short videos presenting new AD knowledge to increase understanding of palliative care and AD. Two graphic novels (fictionalised stories) will be produced to inform AD decision making reflecting A) natural death and B) physician assisted death. An AD Whānau Planning Guide App will incorporate these educational resources. We will publish three articles.