Exploring Physician-Assisted End-of-Life Options and California Social Workers
Leonor Sierra, a candidate for MSW at Stanislaus State University, delves into the topic of physician-assisted end-of-life options and the preparedness of California social workers. The discussion covers the legality, debate, and societal perspectives surrounding end-of-life choices, highlighting the role of social workers in guiding clients through these critical decisions.
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Physician-assisted end of life option act and California social workers: Are they ready: By : Leonor Sierra, MSW candidate Stanislaus State University 1
Leonor M. Sierra MSW graduate candidate at Stanislaus State University Education: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Management Experience: 17 years in Stanislaus County: Adult Services Child Protective Services Community: Founding Mother for a Latina Sorority at UC Berkeley: ELLA- focusing on giving back to minority communities 2
Why? Family: Father Nicaragua 02/2/2013 End of life care School: Stanislaus State University Social Welfare Policy & Services for Social Justice II- 2016 How to Die in Oregon? 2011 Documentary Work: Stanislaus County Adult Services In Home Supportive Services- 2016 Need in community .. 3
End of Life Self Determination California Social Workers 4
End of Life End of Life Euthanasia Physician- Assisted Suicide Euthanasia (in which a doctor administers a lethal dose of medication to a patient) and physician-assisted suicide are illegal in most countries There continues to be intense public debate and disagreement concerning the end of life options from a social, legal, and political perspective. 5
The reality is that we are all born to die. Death is a part of every culture, religion and country. The population around the world is an aging one. Current and past movements for euthanasia have strengthened public awareness of end-of-life decisions, and social workers can often be at the center of services for users who wish to cease living. Social workers offer a key resource in assisting client s in understanding all options for choosing to end their lives. 6
Support End of Life Options 8 Western Countries 5-US States Belgium Canada Vermont Oregon Colombia Finland Washington Montana Germany Luxembourg California The Switzerland Netherlands 7 (ProCon.org, 2016).
Self Determination Competence A compassionate society does not allow people to suffer unnecessarily. It s also about personal autonomy , This lets [people who are dying] make their own choices during the last stages of their lives, . (Masci, 2013, p. 1-2). Relatedness Autonomy 8
The National Association of Social Work (NASW) Previous research has focused on misused practice and whether gaps exist in legislative safeguards. Principle 1.02 There is a need for further research on social workers' involvement and perceptions of clients' seeking death with dignity, retaining self-respect and a connection to their community in a person s final days. Respect & Promote: Self Determination The National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics dictates that social workers ethical responsibilities to the client should utilize Principle 1.02 which encourages social workers to respect and promote the right of clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals. Identify & Clarify Goals 9
California Report: 191 referred to the medications. 111 prescribed patients opted to use end of life medication. 173 physicians wrote the prescriptions. No tracking those who got denied Of those who died: 87% were 60 years or older 89.5% were white College educated Receiving hospice or palliative care and had health insurance 10 (California State Data on End of Life Option Act Confirms It is Working Well , 2017).
California-End of Life Option Act Patient Aid-in-dying drug Primary Physician 18 years or older Resident of California Diagnosed w/terminal illness with 6-month prognosis by the primary physician & confirmed by a consulting physician Individual has the physical & mental ability to self- administer the aid-in- dying drug A drug determined & prescribed by physician for a qualified individual, which the qualified individual may choose to self- administer to bring about his or her death due to terminal disease Must communicate all other options to the patient Recommend they inform their family of their decisions Give guidance on self -administration 11
Social Worker What can we offer? Who do we serve? How do we engage? Pro active vs reactive? 12
Research Questions: The purpose of this study is to both explore and describe California Social Workers perceptions and comfort levels regarding supporting clients who decide to end their lives with physician-assisted death (PAD). What are the attitudes of California social workers toward physician-assisted dying laws? Do California Social Worker feel prepared to have conversations and assist in decision making with patients that request PAD and why? What is their awareness and involvement in End of Life Option Act in California ? 13
attitudes Understanding knowledge Purpose of Survey involvement Perception of preparedness Factors 14
Thank you !!!!!!! CCASSC & Partners 17 Contact information : lsierra1@csustan.edu
References California State Data on End of Life Option Act Confirms It is Working Well. (2017, June 27). Compassion & Choices, p. 1. Retrieved from http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/california- state-data-on-end-of-life-option-act-confirms-it-is-working-well-300480790.html. Care New England. (2014, April 11). Fear of End-of-Life Care Discussions [Video file]. Retrieved June 26, 2017, from https://youtu.be/A25c15PVl-8. CBS Sacramento. (2016, June 08). California End-of-Life Law Begins on Thursday [Video file]. Retrieved June 26, 2017, from https://youtu.be/ZODWNriHljc. Masci, D. (2013, November 21). To end our days. Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project, p. 1-2. Retrieved from http://www.pewforum.org/2013/11/21/to-end-our-days/#. 18
Now This. (2015, October 30). Where Are the Best Countries To Die? [Video file]. Retrieved June 26, 2017, from https://youtu.be/urxt0BOnvuo. ProCon.org. (2016, July 20). Euthanasia & physician-assisted suicide (PAS) around the world. Retrieved from http://euthanasia.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000136 19
