Background: This study explored the perspectives of clinicians involved in voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Australia regarding organ and tissue donation. It aimed to understand their attitudes, knowledge, and experiences, and to identify what helps or hinders the integration of donation into VAD care.
Methods: An online cross-sectional, mixed-methods survey was conducted between September 2024 and April 2025 across four Australian states: Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia. The survey included 244 healthcare professionals involved in VAD, such as coordinating and consulting practitioners, nurses, and support staff. Participants were recruited through VAD navigation services, professional networks, and state-based registries.
Results: The majority of respondents supported both organ and tissue donation (98%) and most (91%) were personally willing to donate. Despite this support, only 39% had received prior training in donation, and just 37% were aware of existing guidelines for donation following VAD. While 90% agreed that donation should be discussed when clinically appropriate, only 63% supported routinely raising the topic in VAD discussions. Reported barriers included limited training, time pressures, ethical concerns such as potential coercion or conflicts of interest, and misunderstandings about the feasibility of donation in this context. Most respondents (84%) expressed a strong desire for further education, especially on eligibility criteria and how to sensitively discuss donation with patients and families.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that while there is significant support among Australian VAD clinicians for organ and tissue donation, major knowledge gaps and practical challenges remain. Addressing these through targeted education, clearer clinical guidance, and system-level support will be key to enabling ethical and effective donation practices in VAD settings.