Research Team

This study is led by Chang-Oh Baek, a master’s student in nursing at the University of British Columbia, under the supervision of Dr. John Oliffe. The supervisory committee includes Dr. Sally Thorne and Dr. Emily Jenkins.

Background

MAiD has become an increasingly significant component of end-of-life care in Canada. While research has explored the ethical, legal, and clinical dimensions of MAiD, relatively little attention has been given to how gender may shape patients’ experiences. Men may experience illness, suffering, and end-of-life decision-making in ways influenced by social expectations around masculinity, autonomy, and emotional expression, yet these perspectives remain underexplored in MAiD contexts.

Objective

Understanding men’s experiences with MAiD is important for improving the quality of end-of-life care. Healthcare providers often witness how patients navigate complex emotional, relational, and existential concerns when considering MAiD. By examining healthcare providers’ perspectives, this study aims to generate insights into how gender norms may shape men’s communication, decision-making, and relationships at the end of life. These insights may help inform more gender-sensitive clinical practices and support strategies for men and their families.

What Participation Involves

Participation includes completing a brief demographic questionnaire (5–10 minutes) and a one-time confidential interview (45–60 minutes) conducted either in person at the University of British Columbia or virtually via Zoom, depending on your preference. Participants will receive an honorarium in recognition of their time and contribution to the study.

Inclusion criteria

You may be eligible to participate if:

• You are a licensed, regulated, or otherwise authorized healthcare provider practicing in British Columbia. This includes but not limited to: Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Social Workers and Spiritual Health Practitioners.
• You have direct professional experience providing care to, supporting, assessing, coordinating care for, or otherwise working with men who have sought or received Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD)
• You are able to communicate comfortably in English