End-of-life treatment preferences and advanced care planning among older adults.

Michael D BarnettLauren J Bennett-LeleuxLogan A Guillory

Published in: Death studies (2023)

End-of-life treatment preferences (EOLTPs) refer to the amount of medical intervention an individual would wish to receive in a life-threatening scenario. This study aimed to investigate relationships between older adults' EOLTPs and advance care planning (ACP). Using archival data from two interview surveys of community-dwelling older adults (study 1 n = 331, study 2 n = 338; age 60-102), results found that a desire for less end-of-life medical intervention was associated with greater EOL discussion with physicians. This relationship was explained by greater death preparation and younger age. Older adults may use ACP to limit unwanted medical interventions.

Keyphrases

healthcare
randomized controlled trial
physical activity
primary care
palliative care
electronic health record
high resolution
big data
chronic pain
pain management