Physicians' Predictions of Elderly Outpatients' Preferences for Life-Sustaining Treatment

Jennifer A Druley, Peter H Ditto, Kathleen A. Moore, Joseph H Danks, Aloen Townsend, William D Smucker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

13 resident and 4 faculty physicians predicted the life-sustaining treatment preferences of 57 patients (aged 65+ yrs) and then interviewed patients regarding their actual treatment preferences. Physicians' professional experience, length of their relationship with the patient, and experience with direct feedback were measured to determine the association of these factors with the accuracy of the physicians' predictions. Physicians became more accurate predictors as they interviewed more patients and received direct feedback regarding the accuracy of their predictions. Residents were more accurate than faculty in predicting patients' preferences.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalJournal of Family Practice
Volume37
StatePublished - Jan 1 1993
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • professional experience & length of relationship with patient & direct feedback
  • accuracy of predictions of patient preferences for life sustaining treatment
  • physicians & elderly patients

Disciplines

  • Health Law and Policy
  • Mental Disorders

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