End-of-Life Social Workers’ Attitudes about California’s End of Life Option Act: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

As society grays, new ways of aging and dying are coming to pass. With the End of Life Option Act of 2016, California became the fourth U.S. state to legalize the death with dignity process, with social workers at the fore. This qualitative study explored California-based, end-of-life social workers’ attitudes toward and experiences with the End of Life Option Act.

Findings from the 13 interviews demonstrated that social workers believe the central principle that informs their work is the dignity and worth of the individual. Social workers see their primary role as one of educator and a provider of resources. The preferred terminology to describe the law is the End of Life Option Act. Most social workers are only permitted to provide information about the Act if the patient initiates the conversation.

The findings of this study yield valuable perspectives of end-of-life social workers’ opinions about this controversial law.