Relationship between cancer patients' predictions of prognosis and their treatment preferences

Article Abstract:

Many cancer patients may choose aggressive treatment because they erroneously believe they have a good chance of surviving longer if they do. Researchers analyzed patient and physician beliefs about prognosis and the treatment choices of 917 cancer patients. Patients who thought they had a 90% chance of living 6 months even though their physician believed they had only a 10% chance were much more likely to choose aggressive treatment rather than palliative care. Most of these patients overestimated their prognosis because their 6-month survival rates were no better than those who chose palliative treatment.

Forecasts and trends, Colorectal cancer, Cancer patients, Prognosis, Lung cancer, Non-small cell, Non-small cell lung cancer

---

Patient preferences for communication with physicians about end-of-life decisions

Article Abstract:

Hospitalized, seriously ill patients may not be expressing their wishes regarding resuscitation or prolonged mechanical ventilation, which may lead to unwanted intervention. Researchers interviewed 2,162 patients. Less than one-quarter had discussed whether they wanted resuscitation or prolonged mechanical ventilation. About 40% of those who had not discussed the subject wanted to but had not. Younger patients and black patients were more likely to fall into this group. Nearly 60% of those who had not discussed the issue did not wish to, although nearly one-quarter of them did not want resuscitation.

Terminally ill persons, Terminally ill, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Ethical aspects, Advance directives (Medicine)

---

Factors Associated With Use of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Seriously Ill Hospitalized Adults

Article Abstract:

Doctors are more likely to give CPR to a hospital patient when the patient has stated a preference for CPR, when the patient is young and is not expected to die soon. This was the conclusion of a study of 2,505 seriously ill hospital patients who had a cardiac arrest while in the hospital. The use of CPR varied by region of the country and the patient's underlying illness. Those with congestive heart failure were three times more likely to receive CPR than those with respiratory failure or multi-organ failure.

Usage, Hospital patients, CPR (First aid), Cardiac arrest, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Relationships between academic institutions and industry in the life sciences - an industry survey. Participation of life-science faculty in research relationships with industry
• Abstracts: The relationship between perinatal cosmetic talc usage and ovarian talc particle burden. Perineal application of talc and cornstarch powders: evaluation of ovarian cancer risk
• Abstracts: Caring in patient-focused care: the relationship of patients' perceptions of holistic nurse caring to their levels of anxiety
• Abstracts: Practical issues in physician-assisted suicide. Attitudes of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their care givers toward assisted suicide
• Abstracts: Watch your back. The origin of movement. Below the belt

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.