Intrapersonal Factors Impact Advance Care Planning Among Cancer Patients

Cancer patients infrequently engage in advance care planning processes. Establishing preferences for future medical treatment without advance care planning may not be patient-centered, as it fails to consider important factors that influence these important decisions.

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of patient intrapersonal factors including race, religion, level of depression, and cancer stage on overall preferences for future medical treatment, including the presence of a (DNR), power of attorney, and advance directive.

A retrospective chart review design was used. Patients were included who were diagnosed with cancer at The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center from 01/2015 to 08/2019.

A total of 3,463 patients were included. Median age was 59 years (IQR: 49, 67) and the majority of the patients was female (88.7%). Compared with no religious preference, patients who identified as religious had 61% higher odds (95%CI: 1.08-2.40) of having a DNR and approximately 30% higher odds of having a power of attorney (95%CI: 1.08-1.62) or advance directive (95%CI: 1.02-1.64). Patients with clinically relevant depression had more than twice the odds of having a DNR versus patients with no/lower levels of clinical depression (OR: 2.08; 95%CI: 1.40-3.10). White patients had higher odds of having a power of attorney (OR: 1.57; 95%CI: 1.16-2.13) and an advance directive (OR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.95-4.93) than African-American/Black patients.

Understanding the factors that affect preferences for future medical treatment is necessary for medical professionals to provide proper care and support to patients diagnosed with cancer and their families.