News
October 27, 2025
Vancouver Island prof researching supports for patients who choose MAID
VIU research seeks to create and evaluate a community-based support program for patients and families
**Vancouver Island prof researching supports for patients who choose MAID**
A Vancouver Island University (VIU) professor is embarking on a crucial research project aimed at improving the support system for individuals and their families navigating the complex journey of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). The research focuses on developing and rigorously evaluating a community-based support program designed to provide comprehensive assistance during this sensitive time.
The project recognizes that choosing MAID is a deeply personal and often challenging decision, not only for the individual involved but also for their loved ones. The current support landscape can be fragmented, leaving patients and families feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about where to turn for help. This research seeks to address this gap by creating a more coordinated and accessible network of care.
The VIU-led initiative will involve a multi-faceted approach to understand the specific needs of patients considering or choosing MAID, as well as the needs of their families. Through interviews, surveys, and focus groups, the research team will gather valuable insights into the challenges faced and identify areas where support can be most impactful. This data will then inform the development of a tailored support program.
The proposed community-based program is envisioned to offer a range of services, potentially including emotional counseling, practical assistance with navigating the MAID process, grief support for families, and connection to relevant community resources. A key aspect of the research is not only developing the program but also rigorously evaluating its effectiveness. This evaluation will involve tracking patient and family outcomes, gathering feedback on their experiences with the program, and analyzing the overall impact on their well-being.
The research holds significant promise for enhancing the quality of care for individuals choosing MAID and providing much-needed support for their families. By creating a well-designed and thoroughly evaluated community-based program, this VIU initiative aims to ensure that patients and families on Vancouver Island have access to the compassionate and comprehensive support they deserve during this profound and life-altering experience. The findings from this research could also serve as a valuable model for other communities across Canada seeking to improve their MAID support services.
A Vancouver Island University (VIU) professor is embarking on a crucial research project aimed at improving the support system for individuals and their families navigating the complex journey of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). The research focuses on developing and rigorously evaluating a community-based support program designed to provide comprehensive assistance during this sensitive time.
The project recognizes that choosing MAID is a deeply personal and often challenging decision, not only for the individual involved but also for their loved ones. The current support landscape can be fragmented, leaving patients and families feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about where to turn for help. This research seeks to address this gap by creating a more coordinated and accessible network of care.
The VIU-led initiative will involve a multi-faceted approach to understand the specific needs of patients considering or choosing MAID, as well as the needs of their families. Through interviews, surveys, and focus groups, the research team will gather valuable insights into the challenges faced and identify areas where support can be most impactful. This data will then inform the development of a tailored support program.
The proposed community-based program is envisioned to offer a range of services, potentially including emotional counseling, practical assistance with navigating the MAID process, grief support for families, and connection to relevant community resources. A key aspect of the research is not only developing the program but also rigorously evaluating its effectiveness. This evaluation will involve tracking patient and family outcomes, gathering feedback on their experiences with the program, and analyzing the overall impact on their well-being.
The research holds significant promise for enhancing the quality of care for individuals choosing MAID and providing much-needed support for their families. By creating a well-designed and thoroughly evaluated community-based program, this VIU initiative aims to ensure that patients and families on Vancouver Island have access to the compassionate and comprehensive support they deserve during this profound and life-altering experience. The findings from this research could also serve as a valuable model for other communities across Canada seeking to improve their MAID support services.
Category:
Technology