The problem of prognostication in assisted dying

Ost, Suzanne and Preston, Nancy (2025) The problem of prognostication in assisted dying. BMJ.

Abstract

The UK government is debating legislation to allow assisted dying in England and Wales, which puts doctors at the forefront of deciding if their patient will be eligible for a medically assisted death - the key criteria being a 6 month prognosis. But is making a 6 month prognosis actually clinically reliable? To discuss we're joined by a panel of experts on end of life; Scott Murray, emeritus professor of primary palliative care at the University of Edinburgh Simon Etkind, assistant professor of palliative care at the University of Cambridge Nancy Preston, professor of supportive and palliative care, Lancaster University Suzanne Ost, professor of law, Lancaster University