Queensland GPs Face Hurdles in Providing Voluntary Assisted Dying Services
A recent study has shed light on the significant challenges faced by general practitioners (GPs) in Queensland when it comes to offering voluntary assisted dying (VAD) services. While the legislation has been in effect since 2023, researchers from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have identified a critical need for enhanced education and financial incentives to encourage broader GP participation.
The study, which involved interviews with 12 GPs from various regions across Queensland a year after VAD laws were enacted, revealed that while doctors are committed to providing compassionate and holistic care to patients seeking VAD, several substantial barriers are hindering their engagement.
Key Challenges Identified by Queensland GPs:
- Complex Application Processes and Training: Many GPs found the application process for VAD laws to be cumbersome and the mandatory training requirements a significant deterrent, especially given their already demanding workloads.
- Concerns About Errors: A notable worry among practitioners was the potential for making mistakes within the intricate legal framework of VAD.
- Eligibility Confusion: Some doctors expressed confusion regarding the eligibility criteria for patients seeking VAD, adding another layer of complexity to their involvement.
- Time-Intensive Paperwork: The administrative burden associated with VAD was frequently described as “complex and time-intensive.” One GP noted they were “probably working about double what I’m employed in,” with VAD duties encroaching on their time for rural generalist work, hospital commitments, and personal life.
- Lack of Appeal in Training: The mandatory training for becoming an authorised VAD practitioner was perceived as less appealing for GPs already managing heavy patient loads. As one participant stated, “It just doesn’t reach the threshold of jumping into it unfortunately… even if you believe in it.”
The Need for Better Education and Financial Support
Beyond procedural difficulties, a prevailing sentiment among GPs was a “lack of understanding and education” surrounding VAD, particularly among junior medical professionals. This underscores a need for more comprehensive and accessible educational resources.
Furthermore, researchers highlighted a strong call for greater financial incentives to motivate more GPs to become authorised VAD providers. The absence of clear remuneration pathways and a dedicated Medicare rebate was a significant point of concern. “It needs to be funded to ensure the longevity, you can’t [keep hoping] that private practices will provide the service when there’s no Medicare billing numbers for it,” one participant commented.
Dr. Laura Ley Greaves, the lead author of the study and a QUT PhD researcher, pointed out that Queensland’s VAD model, with approximately 90 per cent of cases managed through the public health system, is distinct from other states. While this structure aims to ensure statewide access, it inadvertently limits the opportunities for community-based GPs to actively participate. Dr. Greaves agreed that the lack of specific remuneration and a Medicare rebate directly influences non-participation among GPs outside the public system.
“The structural barriers haven’t yet changed,” Dr. Greaves stated. “So between the lack of remuneration outside the public system and the time requirements, there is not enough yet to incentivise those that are not already involved to become involved.”
Growing Demand and Practitioner Strain
The demand for VAD services in Queensland has seen a considerable increase since the laws came into effect. The latest annual report from the Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board indicates that over 2,000 individuals were assessed for eligibility between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. Of these, 1,072 died following the administration of a VAD substance, marking a 35 per cent rise compared to the previous 12-month period.
However, Associate Professor Helen Irving, the chair of the review board, noted that this growing demand is being managed by a relatively small number of authorised practitioners. Across the entire state, including both medical practitioners and nurses, there are fewer than 500 authorised VAD practitioners.
Associate Professor Irving has recommended that the Queensland government and Queensland Health engage directly with authorised practitioners and health service leaders. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the barriers to participation and to develop effective strategies that can support VAD services and ensure equitable access for all eligible Queenslanders.
As Queensland’s VAD legislation, including its eligibility criteria, is slated for review this year, the findings of this QUT study are timely and crucial for informing potential improvements and ensuring the VAD framework effectively serves the needs of both patients and the healthcare professionals who provide this sensitive care.
