The Role of the End-of-Life Doula

• The essence of doula care is to provide non-medical, non-judgmental support and guidance to individuals and families through times of critical, transformative life change.

• EOL doulas nurture, inform, support, guide, empower and comfort.

• EOL doulas work with other caregivers and members of the medical team.

• Doulas foster self-determination in their clients by assisting them in gathering information and encouraging them to make informed choices that are right for them.

• For client needs outside of the doula’s scope of practice, the doula makes referrals to appropriate professionals and community resources.

• Doula support is focused on, and adapted to, the unique needs and requirements of each family served.

Limitations to Practice

• As non-medical care providers, end-of-life doulas do not perform clinical tasks (e.g., monitor vital signs, administer medication, bathing patients, etc.).

• The doula refrains from giving medical advice or from persuading clients to follow a specific course of action or treatment.

• The doula refrains from imposing his/her own values and beliefs on the client.

• Doulas do not undermine their clients’ confidence in their caregiver(s). Instead, the doula uses good listening skills to support clients who initiate a discussion about dissatisfaction with a caregiver's practice or attitudes.

• Doulas do not usurp the role of other professionals and caregivers such as the hospice nurse, social worker, chaplain, home health aide, etc.

• Doulas may be present at the request of the client, but doulas do not facilitate the medical aid-in-dying process

Sourced from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA)