Prognostic Awareness and Goals of Care Discussions Among Patients With Advanced Heart Failure.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Prognostic awareness (PA)-the understanding of limited life expectancy-is critical for effective goals of care discussions (GOCD) in which patients discuss their goals and values in the context of their illness. Yet little is known about PA and GOCD in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). This study aims to determine the prevalence of PA among patients with advanced HF and patient characteristics associated with PA and GOCD.

Methods

We assessed the prevalence of self-reported PA and GOCD using data from a multisite communication intervention trial among patients with advanced HF with an implantable cardiac defibrillator at high risk of death.

Results

Of 377 patients (mean age 62 years, 30% female, 42% nonwhite), 78% had PA. Increasing age was a negati

SUBMITTER: Gelfman LP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7494630 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature