Preferences for surrogate designation and decision-making process in older versus younger adults with cancer: A comparative cross-sectional study

Patient Educ Couns. 2019 Mar;102(3):429-435. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2018.09.024. Epub 2018 Sep 29.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the preferences of older (≥70 years old) versus younger (<70 years old) cancer patients regarding surrogate designation and decision making.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey. Patient characteristics and information about surrogacy and involvement in decision making were collected. Associations between patient characteristics and preferences were examined.

Results: The study included 130 patients aged ≥70 years (mean age 80 years) and 102 patients aged <70 years (mean age 55) and. Factors independently associated with surrogate knowledge (66%): younger age, more children living nearby, high income; factors associated with having already designated a surrogate (62%): younger age, decreased number of daily medications; factors associated with designating a surrogate after questionnaire administration (40%): low education, metastasis. Patients requiring an informed consent for any intervention was associated with older age (adjusted OR [aOR]per year = 1.04[95% confidence interval 1.00-1.08]), not living alone (aOR = 2.52[1.00-6.36]), and having children (aOR = 4.49[1.13-17.81]).

Conclusion: All cancer patients, wanted to be fully informed and 72% wanted to be involved in medical decisions. Preferences for decision control vary between age groups, depending on family members' presence and living alone.

Practice implications: Sharing complete and clear information should be an important key in the process of cancer patients' care, regardless of patient age.

Keywords: Cancer; Medical decision-making; Medical information; Patient preference; Surrogate.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Decision Making*
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Literacy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Informed Consent*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasms / psychology
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Patient Participation
  • Patient Preference*
  • Proxy*