THE ROLE OF DOUL AS IN AID-IN-DYING CARE: AN OVERVIEW AND SUGGESTIONS FOR BEST PRACTICES
SARAH HILL
ABSTRACT: Many end-of-life doulas offer support to individuals who are considering, or elect to utilize, medical aid in dying. Doulas and medical clinicians share a common goal of providing the best possible experience for their mutual clients. Working in tandem, they serve this goal with frequent communication, knowledgeable monitoring of symptoms and disease progression, and thoughtful planning before, during, and—for loved ones—after the aid-in-dying day. Doulas aim to provide a patient-centered experience that is seamless and responsive to the needs of patients and those who care for them. The aid-in-dying medical community writ large can enhance patient stewardship by including aid-in-dying-trained end-oflife doulas as part of the care team. KEYWORDS: End-of-life doulas; aid in dying; hastened death; physician assisted death
SAR AH HILL is an aid-in-dyin g ex p er i en c ed en d -o f -l i f e d o u l a . S h e i s th e f ounde r o f East B ay D oula for the Dy i n g , L LC, a n d a f o u n d i n g p a r tn er o f th e Bay Are a En d of Life D o u la A llia n c e.
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