Quality of life changes and intensive care preferences in terminal cancer patients

In Cheol Hwang, Bhumsuk Keam, Young Ho Yun, Hong Yup Ahn, Young Ae Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: There is scarce research on the short-term fluctuations in end-of-life (EoL) care planning for seriously ill patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the stability of preferences regarding treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) and identify the factors associated with changes in preferences in terms of quality of life (QoL). Method: A prospective examination on preference changes for ICU care in 141 terminal cancer patients was conducted. Patients were categorized according to their change in preference during the final two months of their lives into four categories: (1) the keep-accept group, (2) the keep-reject group, (3) the change to accept group, and (4) the change to reject group. Using multiple logistic analyses, we explored the association between patient demographics, health-related QoL, and changes in ICU preference. Results: The overall stability of ICU preferences near the end of life was 66.7% (κ = 0.33, p < 0.001). Married patients were more likely to change their preference regarding ICU care [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) toward accept 12.35, p = 0.021; aOR toward reject 10.56, p = 0.020] than unmarried patients. Patients with stable physical function tended to accept ICU care (aOR = 5.05, p = 0.023), whereas those with poor performance (aOR = 5.32, p = 0.018), worsened QoL (aOR = 8.34, p = 0.007), or non-aggravated fatigue (aOR = 8.36, p = 0.006) were more likely to not accept ICU care. Significance of results: The attitudes of terminally ill cancer patients regarding ICU care at the end of life were not stable over time, and changes in their QoL were associated with a tendency to change their preferences about ICU care. Attention should thus be paid to patients' QoL changes to improve medical decision making with regard to EoL care.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1309-1316
Number of pages8
JournalPalliative and Supportive Care
Volume13
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Oct 2015

Keywords

  • Changes
  • Intensive care unit
  • Preference
  • Quality of life
  • Terminal care

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Quality of life changes and intensive care preferences in terminal cancer patients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this