What does it mean to make compassionate, informed end-of-life choices?

In this powerful episode of Delaware Health Care Reality, host Nicholas Biasotto, DO, leads a discussion on this complex and emotional topic. Guests Robert Varipapa, MD advocating in favor of MAID and patient autonomy, and Michael Vest, MD, a Critical Care specialist, presenting concerns against MAID legalization, debate Delaware’s proposed legislation, which could make it the 12th state to allow Medical Aid in Dying.

The three most frequently reported end-of-life concerns were loss of autonomy (92%), decreasing ability to participate in activities that made life enjoyable (88%), and loss of dignity (64%).

The conversation covers patient autonomy, palliative care, hospice support, and mental health resources. They also examine data from Oregon’s long-standing law and the ‘slippery slope’ argument (which has not turned out to be an issue.)

Medical Aid in Dying: Insights from Both Sides of the Stethoscope

A Transcript of Dr Varipapa’s introductory remarks with references and links is also available