Are you interested in sharing your story?
Invitation to Participate in Study of Medical Aid in Dying: Perspectives of Terminally Ill People and Their Primary Caregivers
We are looking for people who accessed Medical Aid in Dying and their primary caregivers, to share their experiences surrounding the decision to pursue it, as well as qualifying for and using the medication.
As a research team of palliative care social workers, thanatologists, and grief counselors, we recognize the courage and complexities in this process for all involved, and we respect individuals’ stories and insights. Our work is intended to add to the base of knowledge to support others who might choose Medical Aid in Dying as well as to inform future educational and supportive initiatives.
This study has received approval from the Institutional Review Board at Colorado State University.
What will the study entail?
Study participants will include both individuals utilizing Medical Aid in Dying in the United States and their primary caregivers throughout bereavement. Each participant will be asked to complete a brief (15-minute) survey about their experiences.
They will then participate in a 45-60 minute interview and up to two optional follow-up interviews about how Medical Aid in Dying has impacted their quality of life, coping, and goals, as well as the barriers and challenges they may have experienced.
Interviews can occur by telephone, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or in person. Study documents and interviews are available in both English and Spanish. For each interview, participants will receive a $30 Amazon gift card.
If you are interested in participating in this study, please complete this survey.
If you have limited access to complete the documents online or want more information, please contact the Principal Investigator, Jen at jen.currin-mcculloch@colostate.edu or at (970) 491-3931. You can also contact our bilingual graduate assistant Juliana Borrego at juliana.borrego_villanueva@colostate.edu or by phone at (970)491-6587.
My father was one of the lead medical advocates to help pass the MAID law in Colorado. He was also able to use the medication to end his severe suffering and die peacefully surrounded by his family, on his own terms. This research is paramount to make sure that people hear the stories of MAID and understand why it’s an important choice for each person to be able to make for themselves.