Preference for Initiation of End-of-Life Care Discussion: a quantitative study

Abstract

Background: Initiating discussion about end of life is often considered a difficult topic for healthcare providers, thus there is a need for further research to understand this area, particularly in developing countries. This study seeks to describe preferences for the initiation of end-of-life care conversations in Indonesia, comparing the general population and health care professionals.Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study to gain quantitative data utilizing a questionnaire distributed online. There was a total of 368 respondents (254 general population (69%); 114 healthcare professionals (31%)) with a consecutive sampling method. Result: Overall, most respondents (80.4%) would like to discuss the end of life issues with a healthcare professional in case of terminal illness. This was more marked amongst health care professionals compared with the general population (94% vs. 75%, respectively, p < 0,001). The preferred time for discussion was at first diagnosis (63%) or the request of the patients (27%), and the preferred person to start the discussion was the doctor (64%). Depth of information varies as fewer respondents would want to know about prognosis than diagnosis (76% v 93%).Conclusion: Doctors have vital role in end-of-life care discussion, and attempts should be made to encourage physicians to initiate end-of-life care discussion when needed. Further qualitative study in this topic would help to create a practical guideline to aid physicians in end-of-life care discussion.