Willingness of cancer patients to discuss advance directives with admitting doctor or oncologists

Abstract

9539 Background: Many seriously ill cancer patients do not discuss prognosis or advance directives (ADs), which may lead to aggressive care at end of life (Harrison & Smith, JAMA 2008). Ten years ago, cancer patients did not want to discuss ADs with their oncologist (ONC), but would discuss them with an admitting doctor (Lamont JPM 2000).We assessed if this still held. Methods: We administered semi-structured interviews to cancer inpatients on the VCUHS Hematology-Oncology service. 55/63 consecutive patients accrued. Information was collected regarding ADs and knowledge of hospice/palliative care. Results: Of those enrolled, 22/55 (40%) reported having ADs. Only 2/55 had discussed ADs with their oncologist. Only 12/55 (22%) would want to discuss ADs with their ONC. But when specifically asked, 22/55 (40%) of patients would prefer to discuss ADs with their oncologist, and 40% with their primary care doctor. 86% would discuss ADs with the admitting doctor. There was no difference in doctor preference based upon prior AD completion. The preference not to discuss ADs with the oncologist was often because they felt their family could make the decisions, or that it was only necessary “If it got serious.” There was a common misconception that ADs mean death is imminent and lead to termination of care. Conclusions: Most patients (86%) are willing to discuss ADs with an admitting doctor, but only a small number (22%) want to discuss with their ONC. However, most patients will discuss ADs and 40% actually prefer their ONC if ADs are discussed. We therefore need to train primary care doctors, house staff, hospitalists, and oncologists to have these difficult discussions. [Table: see text] No significant financial relationships to disclose.