Unacknowledged pain and disenfranchised grief: A narrative analysis of physical and emotional pain in complex MAiD bereavement stories

Background Pain can influence an individual’s choice to pursue medical assistance in dying (MAiD) and may also how family members experience that decision. Family conflict or discordance surrounding a loved one’s MAiD decision cause unique challenges impacting grief bereavement, including disenfranchised grief. There is limited knowledge of individuals with complex bereavement experiences describe the role physical emotional pain their stories.Aims This article explores stories identifies opportunities improve care for families experiencing disagreement around MAiD.Methods We conducted qualitative interviews utilized narrative ethic approach analyze data.Results N=12 participants three provinces: Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta. Descriptions were used justify morality, immorality, context patient suffering. Emotional described where participants’ feelings about went unacknowledged by friends, institutions, socio-political environments. conceptualize this as make recommendations bereavement.Conclusions Experiences leave lasting impact on bereavement. Healthcare professionals should continue following MAiD, especially there conflict.