Brassolotto, Julia
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- ItemRural healthcare professionals’ participation in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD): beyond a binary decision.(Springer Nature, 2024) Sedgwick, Monique; Brassolotto, Julia; Manduca-Barone, AlessandroBackground Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) was legalized in Canada in 2016 and amended in 2021. At the time that this study was conducted, the federal government was considering expanding the eligibility criteria to include patients whose death was not reasonably foreseeable. The purpose of this study was to better understand rural healthcare professionals’ experiences with assisted dying set against the backdrop of legislative expansion. Methods A qualitative exploratory study was undertaken with general rural practice physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, ethicists, patients, and patient families in rural Southern Alberta, Canada. For this paper, data from 18 audio-recorded and transcribed semi-structured interviews with healthcare professionals were analyzed using thematic analysis. Categories and patterns of shared meaning that linked to an overarching theme were identified. Results Between the binary positions of full support for and conscientious objection to assisted dying, rural healthcare professionals’ decisions to participate in MAiD was based on their moral convictions, various contextual factors, and their participation thresholds. Factors including patient suffering; personal and professional values and beliefs; relationships with colleagues, patients and family, and community; and changing MAiD policy and legislation created nuances that informed their decision-making. Conclusions The interplay of multiple factors and their degree of influence on healthcare professionals’ decision making create multiple decision points between full support for and participation in MAiD processes and complete opposition and/or abstention. Moreover, our findings suggest evolving policy and legislation have the potential to increase rural healthcare professionals’ uncertainty and level of discomfort in providing services. We propose that the binary language typically used in the MAiD discourse be reframed to reflect that decision-making processes and actions are often fluid and situational
- ItemMAiD in southern Alberta: report of findings(University of Lethbridge, 2022) Brassolotto, Julia; Manduca-Barone, Alessandro; Sedgwick, Monique
- ItemIntersections in rural long-term care: a comparative case study in Alberta(University of Lethbridge, 2019) Brassolotto, Julia; Caspar, Sienna; Spenceley, ShannonIn this report, we outline the results of a comparative case study of long-term care (LTC) in rural Alberta.
- ItemSexual expression in Alberta's continuing care homes: perspectives from residents and family members(University of Lethbridge, 2019) Brassolotto, Julia; Howard, LisaIn this report, we outline the findings from Phase 2 of a multi-phase, Alberta-wide study on sexual expression in supportive living and long-term care homes. By “sexual expression,” we mean handholding, hugging, fantasizing, bed sharing, kissing, masturbation, grooming and self-presentation, forming intimate relationships, and engaging in physical sex acts. In what follows, we outline some of the key themes from the academic literature; briefly describe our methods for data collection and analysis; share key findings; and make recommendations for policy and practice. We conclude with a list of resources for family members and residents who are navigating sexual expression in continuing care homes.
- ItemSexual expression in Alberta's continuing care homes: perspectives from managers and leaders(University of Lethbridge, 2018) Brassolotto, Julia; Howard, LisaIn this report, we outline the findings from Phase 1 of a multi-phase, Alberta-wide study on sexual expression in supportive living and long-term care homes. In what follows, we outline some of the key themes from the academic literature; briefly describe our methods for data collection and analysis; share key findings; and make recommendations for practice, policy, research, and education. We conclude with a list of resources for those navigating sexual expression in continuing care.