Cmaj Podcasts

Send us a textOn this episode of the CMAJ Podcast, Dr. Blair Bigham and Dr. Mojola Omole explore the intricate relationship between medical assistance in dying (MAiD) and palliative care in Canada. They focus on a qualitative study titled "Perspectives of Canadian healthcare leaders on the relationship between medical assistance in dying and palliative and end-of-life care services: a qualitative study," which interviewed 36 professionals from both fields. The study reveals significant gaps in collaboration and coordination, leading to feelings of exclusion among MAiD providers.Dr. Gilla Shapiro, a co-author of the study, discusses the diverse perspectives of health leaders on the integration of MAiD and palliative care services. She highlights the challenges posed by geographical, institutional, and personal factors in standardizing the relationship between these services. Dr. Shapiro shares insights into the initial tensions and the gradual improvements in cooperation, stressing the necessity for