Social work and medical assistance in dying: A systematic review of empirical evidence

Abstract This article presents a systematic review of scientific literature published between 1997 and 2025 examining the involvement of Social Work in the context of medical assistance in dying (euthanasia and assisted suicide). 38 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering themes such as professional perspectives, ethical and educational considerations, clinical experiences, and organizational contexts. The findings indicate a wide range of views and roles, shaped by individual beliefs, institutional environments, and differing legal frameworks. The review also highlights recurrent methodological limitations—most notably the predominance of cross-sectional designs and the frequent use of non-validated instruments—as well as a strong geographical concentration in English-speaking countries. Together, these observations underline the need for more diverse, methodologically robust, and context-sensitive research to deepen understanding of Social Work’s engagement in end-of-life care across international settings.