MAID ready for primetime? A survey of SGO membership regarding medical aid in dying (MAID)

Abstract

<h3>Objectives:</h3> To assess SGO membership knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns regarding Medical Aid In Dying (MAID). <h3>Methods:</h3> SGO members categorized as full member gynecologic oncologists were surveyed via an anonymous RedCap online survey. The survey included questions regarding demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns relating to MAID. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Associations between sociodemographic factors and attitudes related to MAID were analyzed utilizing logistic regression. <h3>Results:</h3> Of 1,337 invited members, 225 (17%) responded. Median age was 46 years old. Most respondents were female (58%), White (81%), and in academic practice (64%). Over 50% had heard of the term MAID and have had a patient ask about MAID. Few respondents (20%) reported living in a state where MAID is legal and 61% of these respondents provided this service. A total of 60% of respondents reported living in a state that had not legalized MAID and 18% of respondents did not know if MAID was legal in their state. Respondents reporting MAID was either illegal or of unknown legal status in their state were asked if they would provide MAID if it was legal in their state; 36% of this group indicated they would provide the service, 30% would not, and 34% were uncertain. The majority of respondents (69%) believed MAID should be legal. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that female respondents were more likely to support legalization of MAID (OR 2.44 p=<0.05) and respondents practicing in the South were less likely to support legalization of MAID (OR 0.42 p=<0.05). Over 75% of respondents stated an SGO position statement on MAID would be helpful. <h3>Conclusions:</h3> MAID is a highly relevant topic for gynecologic oncologists and their patients. Support exists among gynecologic oncologists for legalizing and providing MAID more broadly. Major educational, cultural, and policy barriers remain before wider implementation of MAID. Gaps in MAID-related knowledge exist among the SGO membership and there is a desire for additional education and guidance regarding MAID. These findings suggest that there is significant opportunity for member education initiatives regarding this important topic.