@article{APM26416,
author = {Justin Oh and Kristopher Dennis and Shilo Lefresne and Jonathan Livergant and Michael McKenzie},
title = {End-of-life discussions in practice: survey among Canadian radiation oncologists},
journal = {Annals of Palliative Medicine},
volume = {8},
number = {4},
year = {2019},
keywords = {},
abstract = {Background: Early end-of-life (EOL) discussions improve patient satisfaction, quality of care, and the cost-effectiveness of care. However, some US studies show that radiation oncologists (ROs) are unlikely to discuss EOL issues until the patients develop significant symptoms or the families initiate the discussion. There have been no prior studies describing the patterns of EOL discussions among Canadian ROs. The objectives of this study were: (I) to describe the patterns of EOL discussions among Canadian ROs; (II) to identify the barriers to EOL conversation among Canadian ROs; (III) to assess the attitudes of Canadian ROs toward Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).
Methods: The 22-question online survey was distributed to the members of Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists (CARO). Demographics, EOL discussion patterns, perception of EOL discussions, barriers, and the impact of MAiD were evaluated.
Results: Sixty ROs responded out of 326. Prognosis (57%) and goals of care (58%) were routinely discussed, while advanced directive (40%) and planned site of death (12%) were not. More than 90% felt that early EOL discussions with palliative patients were important. The amount of palliative discussion training was correlated with confidence in EOL discussion (P},
issn = {2224-5839}, url = {https://apm.amegroups.org/article/view/26416}
}