Racial and Ethnic Differences in End-of-Life Care for Colorectal Cancer Patients in Texas
Author Information
Author(s): Leach Bethany, Polychronopoulou Efstathia, Kuo Yong-Fang, Raji Mukaila, Serna Myrna
Primary Institution: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Hypothesis
Among Texan Medicare decedents with colorectal cancer, there would be racial and ethnic disparities in advance care planning, palliative care consultation, and hospice enrollment.
Conclusion
There are low rates of advance care planning and significant racial/ethnic disparities in palliative care consultation and hospice care among Medicare decedents with colorectal cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- Among 5,757 Medicare decedents, ≤2.2% had advance care planning.
- Non-Hispanic Blacks were most likely to receive palliative care consultation.
- Non-Hispanic Blacks had decreased odds of hospice enrollment compared to Non-Hispanic Whites.
Takeaway
This study found that not many people planned for their end-of-life care, and there are differences in how different racial groups receive care at the end of life.
Methodology
Data from the Texas Cancer Registry linked with Medicare claims records was analyzed, and chi-square tests were used to assess differences.
Limitations
The study only included decedents aged 66 years and older and may not represent all demographics.
Participant Demographics
Participants were Medicare decedents aged 66 years and older with colorectal cancer, including Non-Hispanic Black, Non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.67
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.55-0.81
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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