Understanding Black Older Adults' Readiness for Advance Care Planning
Author Information
Author(s): Akabike Ekenechukwu, Howe Rebecca, Agnoli Alicia, Bidwell Julie, Amadi Grace
Primary Institution: University of California, Davis
Hypothesis
What factors influence the readiness of black older adults to engage in advance care planning?
Conclusion
The study found that there is a significant variation in readiness for end-of-life care discussions between patients and their surrogates.
Supporting Evidence
- 63% of surrogates reported having discussions about end-of-life care.
- Only 45% of patients with surrogates reported similar discussions.
- 17% of patients with children surrogates had not thought about these discussions.
- 100% of patients with spouse/partner surrogates had already had discussions.
Takeaway
This study looked at how ready older black adults are to talk about their health care wishes, and found that many are not having these important conversations.
Methodology
A mixed methods design using surveys and qualitative interviews.
Limitations
The study's sample size was small and limited to a specific geographic area.
Participant Demographics
Black older adults aged 60 – 91 from outpatient clinics and a local community church in Sacramento, CA.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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