Racial differences in perceptions held by caregivers of long-term ventilator patients at end-of-life

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to describe and compare perceptions of preparation for death and satisfaction with end-of-life care in African American and Caucasian caregivers of long-term ventilator (LTV) patients. A comparative descriptive design was used to pilot test items from specific domains from the After-Death Bereaved Family Member Interview. Interviews were conducted on 37 bereaved caregivers of LTV patients who participated in a large experimental study. There was a statistically significant association between African American and Caucasian caregivers in the area of being informed of the patient's condition. African American caregivers felt more informed than Caucasian caregivers. Over half of African American and Caucasian caregivers reported feeling 'fairly to very confident' about what to expect when their loved one was dying. Health care providers should be sensitive to potential differences between African American and Caucasian family caregivers in providing end-of-life care.