Overview

In Australia, Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) laws have been passed in all States. The laws came into operation in Victoria in July 2019, in Western Australia in July 2021, and other states will commence in late 2022 and 2023.

VAD presents in various ways in psychological practice:

• individuals who have terminal or life-limiting illness may ask about VAD,

• a psychologist may be asked by a doctor to offer their opinion on a client's cognitive capacity or decision-making capacity in considering VAD as an end of life option, or  

• a friend or family member seeking grief and loss counselling may have experienced a VAD death. 

This webinar will provide information on the eligibility and process involved in VAD, to enable psychologists and other health professionals to respond appropriately when the topic is raised in their clinical practice. The information provided aims to assist a psychologist to reflect upon their own position on VAD, decide whether or not they are interested in helping individuals and family considering/participating in VAD, and to work appropriately within the legislative requirements.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides (once available) is for 12 months.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. 

Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details 

• On-demand webinar recording 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• identify Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation in Australia,

• describe the clinical complexities for individuals and families considering/accessing VAD, and

• outline the possible roles of psychologists in VAD, and consider your own level of comfort working with individuals considering the option.

Presenter(s)

Kristen Kappel, Dr Oliver Holmes, Dr Robert Bourke

About the presenter(s)

Kristen Kappel is a clinical psychologist who has worked in a variety of roles over the past 23 years in psychology in Australia. A constant theme in her work has been working in the health area - with presentations and settings including chronic illness, chronic pain, cancer care, end of life care and aged care. In her current role as a Care Navigator with the Statewide Voluntary Assisted Dying Navigator Service, Kristen works alongside a team of Nurse Practitioners to provide information and support to individual and family members considering the option of Voluntary Assisted Dying, and to their health professionals.

Dr Olver Holmes is a Clinical Psychologist who has worked for several years at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to help patients and their loved ones adjust to the emotional and psychological challenges of cancer. He uses evidence-based practice to assist with a broad range of issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, psychosis, aggression, and existential concerns. Oliver has a special interest in issues related to death and dying, and has delivered psychological support to those in Peter MacCallum’s palliative care ward since its opening in 2020.

Dr Robert Bourke is a highly experienced clinical neuropsychologist who has worked primarily in a clinical capacity over the past 15 years. He is an expert in the diagnosis of dementia syndromes and has worked in a range of speciality dementia diagnostic services across Melbourne Health, Monash Health and Eastern Health. Currently, he is appointed the Manager of the neuropsychology unit at Monash Health, Monash Medical Centre. Together with employment in the public health sector, Dr Bourke maintains a number of busy private practices, founding Eastern Neuropsychology and co-founding Specialist Memory Services. He has over 15 years’ experience assessing acquired brain injury, dementia and other causes of cognitive impairment including specific skills in neurology, together with extensive experience addressing a range of issues concerning decision making capacity. Dr Bourke has provided consultation on multiple cases involved in the process of accessing voluntary assisted dying (VAD). He regularly provide expert reports and evidence in Court. Dr Bourke is also involved in teaching and training, and provides supervision to neuropsychology post graduate trainees enrolled in Clinical Neuropsychology training programs. He also provides supervision to neuropsychologists completing the neuropsychology registrar training program.