Prognosis Communication in Late-Life Disability: A Mixed Methods Study.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Long-term prognosis informs clinical and personal decisions for older adults with late-life disability. However, many clinicians worry that telling patients their prognosis may cause harm.

Objective

To explore the safety of and reactions to prognosis communication in late-life disability.

Design

Participants estimated their own life expectancy and were then presented their calculated life expectancy using a validated prognostic index. We used a semi-structured interview guide to ask for their reactions. Qualitative data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Potential psychological and behavioral outcomes in response to receiving one's calculated prognosis were recorded and re-assessed 2-4 weeks later.

Setting

Community-dwelling older adu

SUBMITTER: Wong TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5681411 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature