Introduction
Assisted dying remains one of the most sensitive and controversial topics within healthcare. As society wrestles with questions of autonomy, dignity, and end-of-life choices, Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) are involved in this complex debate. The role of HCPs extends beyond clinical care: they are encouraged to support compassionate, open conversations with patients and their families, while remaining firmly within the boundaries of the law, and upholding the regulatory and professional standards set by their Professional Bodies ( as in our case) The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Understanding Assisted Dying and the Legal Considerations
The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology briefing note on assisted dying defines the term as follows:
“Assisted dying refers here to the involvement of healthcare professionals in the provision of lethal drugs intended to end a patient’s life at their voluntary request, subject to eligibility criteria and safeguards. It includes healthcare professionals prescribing lethal drugs for the patient to self-administer (‘physician-assisted suicide’) and healthcare professionals administering lethal drugs (‘euthanasia’). It is an offence (in England and Wales) to assist or encourage another person’s suicide under section 2(1) of the Suicide Act 1961. Euthanasia is illegal across the UK under the Homicide Act 1957 and could be prosecuted as murder or manslaughter.”
https://committees.parliament.uk/work/6906/assisted-dyingassisted-suicide/
While Assisted dying remains unlawful in the United Kingdom, the End of Life Bill (2024) is currently being debated in the House of Lords. Importantly, the proposed legislation ensures that Healthcare Professionals can not be forced to participate in Assisted dying if against their beliefs and can opt out if they wish.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists adopts a neutral stance on the ethical question of legalising Assisted dying in the UK, neither agreeing or disagreeing but instead choosing to support discussion and recognising the diversity of views among its members.
What can Healthcare Professional do to support patients with EOL concerns?
Healthcare Professionals are encouraged to have compassionate and supportive conversations with their patient and their family about End of Life concerns or worries. Healthcare Professionals can not discuss Assisted dying options as it is illegal.
They can make sure that End of Life supportive options are explored if it is within the scope of their practice e.g. referral to Specialist Palliative Care Teams (SPCT) / Hospice/ Safeguarding (if you fear they are under duress) or for Mental Health Support.
A Healthcare Professional may discuss a patient’s wishes or Advanced Decisions and then refer on to their GP or Palliative Care Team.
If a Healthcare Professional feels that they are incapable/ uncomfortable having an End of Life discussion, then offer the patient the space to speak with a trusted colleague who is. It is important to ensure that a patient’s care is optimised and that their concerns addressed.
- Healthcare Professionals need to keep up to date on legislative changes (End of Life Bill 2024) and local services e.g SPCT/ Hospice.
- Healthcare Professionals must document all conversations, in a clear, objective and timely manor.
- Healthcare Professionals must follow the HCPC Standards of Practice, participate in a Multidisciplinary Team and seek support/ education if working/ having conversations about a complex area outside their scope of practice.
Conclusion
Assisted dying is illegal in the UK, with the End of Life Bill (2024) presenting a possible legislative shift. For Healthcare Professionals, the challenge is to balance ethical principles, legal duties and compassionate care. Upholding the law, The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and Health Care Professions Council’s standards, and supporting open, empathetic dialogue ensures that the care provided is not only legally sound but also truly patient-focused.
Written by Rachel Ready
References:
https://www.csp.org.uk/professional-clinical/professional-guidance/assisted-dying-legislation
https://committees.parliament.uk/work/6906/assisted-dyingassisted-suicide/
https://www.bgs.org.uk/assisted-dying-–-where-are-we-now-and-what-happens-next
https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/euthanasia-and-assisted-suicide/
