Study finds ‘significant barriers’ for GPs offering voluntary assisted dying

Queensland doctors need more education and financial incentives to offer voluntary assisted dying, a new study has found, with researchers highlighting “significant” barriers preventing GPs from taking up the scheme.

Researchers from the Queensland University of Technology interviewed 12 GPs from across the state a year after voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws came into effect in 2023.

While GPs were generally found to provide compassionate and holistic care to VAD patients, the study revealed many were challenged by the laws’ application process and training requirements, and were worried about making mistakes.

Others said they were confused about eligibility requirements, and found the paperwork “complex and time-intensive”.

One doctor said they were “probably working about double what I’m employed in”, with time spent on VAD pushing into “substantive rural generalist”, hospital and personal time.

Another doctor said requirements to become an authorised VAD practitioner, such as mandatory training, made it less appealing for GPs who were already managing busy caseloads.

“It just doesn’t reach the threshold of jumping into it unfortunately … even if you believe in it,” they said.

Other GPs pointed to a “lack of understanding and education” among doctors, particularly junior professionals, about VAD, and called for greater financial incentives to encourage more to become authorised providers.

“’It needs to be funded to ensure the longevity, you can’t [keep hoping] that private practices will provide the service when there’s no Medicare billing numbers for it,” one participant said.

Lead author and QUT PhD researcher Dr Laura Ley Greaves said Queensland’s VAD model was distinct from other states, with about 90 per cent of cases delivered through the public health system. While this ensured statewide access, she said it limited opportunities for community-based GPs to participate.

She agreed the absence of clear remuneration and a specific Medicare rebate for VAD participation influenced non-participation in the scheme.

“The structural barriers haven’t yet changed,” Greaves said.

“So between the lack of remuneration outside the public system and the time requirements, there is not enough yet to incentivise those that are not already involved to become involved.”

VAD laws have been in effect in Queensland since 2023.

The latest annual report for the Queensland Voluntary Assisted Dying Review Board found the demand had grown considerably, with more than 2000 assessed for eligibility between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025.

Of those assessed, 1072 died following the administration of a VAD substance, representing a 35 per cent increase compared to the 12 months prior.

The board’s chair, Associate Professor Helen Irving, noted the increased demand is being managed by a smaller number of authorised practitioners, with less than 500 in total across all of Queensland including medical practitioners and nurses.

Irving recommended the government and Queensland Health engage with authorised practitioners and health service leaders to understand barriers to participation, and strategies to support services and enable equitable access.

Queensland’s VAD legislation, including its eligibility criteria, is due to be reviewed this year.

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