scholarly journals 139. association of Physician Orders for Life-sustaining Treatment (POLST) with Antimicrobial Use at End of Life in Cancer Patients: An Antimicrobial Stewardship Opportunity

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S199-S200
Author(s):  
Olivia Kates ◽  
Elizabeth M Krantz ◽  
Juhye Lee ◽  
John Klaassen ◽  
Jessica Morris ◽  
...  

Abstract Background IDSA/SHEA guidelines recommend that antimicrobial stewardship programs support providers in antibiotic decisions for end of life care. Washington State Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms allow patients to indicate antimicrobial use preferences. We sought to characterize antimicrobial use in the last 30 days of life for cancer patients by presence of a POLST and antimicrobial use preferences. Methods We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study of cancer patient deaths from January 1, 2016 - June 30, 3018. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, POLST, and antimicrobial use within 30 days before death were extracted from electronic records. To test for an association between POLST completed at least 30 days before death and inpatient antimicrobial days of therapy (DOT) in the 30 days before death, we used negative binomial models adjusted for age, sex, race, and service line (hematologic versus solid malignancy); model estimates are presented as incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) Results Of 1796 patients, 406 (23%) had a POLST. 177/406 (44%) were completed less than 30 days before death, and 58/177 (32.8%) specified limited antibiotic use; 40/177 (23%) did not specify any antimicrobial use preference (Fig 1). Of 1295 patients with at least 1 inpatient day in the 30 days before death, 1070 (83%) received at least 1 inpatient antimicrobial with median DOT of 1077 per 1000 inpatient days (Tab 1). There was no difference in DOT among patients with and without a POLST > /= 30 days before death (IRR 0.92, CI 0.77, 1.10). Patients with a POLST specifying limited antibiotic use had significantly lower inpatient IV antimicrobial DOT compared to those without a POLST (IRR 0.64, CI 0.42–0.97) (Fig 2). Figure 1. Classification of Patients by Presence of POLST, Timing, and Antimicrobial Preference Content of POLST. Numbers shown represent the number of patients (percentage). Full antibiotic use refers to the selection “Use antibiotics for prolongation of life.” Limited antibiotic use refers to the selection “Do not use antibiotics except when needed for symptom management.” Table 1: Antimicrobial use for all patients and by advance directive group Figure 2. Forest plot of model estimates, represented as incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for associations between POLST antimicrobial specifications completed at least 30 days before death and inpatient antibiotic days of therapy (DOT) in the 30 days before death. Estimates represent comparisons between each POLST category and no POLST completed at least 30 days before death. Dots represent the IRR and brackets extend to the lower and upper limit of the 95% CI. Blue estimates are for the inpatient antibiotic DOT outcome and red estimates are for the inpatient IV antibiotic DOT outcome. Conclusion POLST completion is rare > /= 30 days before death, with few POLSTs specifying antimicrobial use. Compared to those with no POLST in this time frame, patients who indicated that antibiotics should be used only for symptom management received significantly fewer inpatient IV antimicrobials. Early discussion of advance directives including POLST with specification of antimicrobial use preferences may promote more thoughtful use of antimicrobials near the end of life in a compassionate, patient-centered way. Disclosures Steven A. Pergam, MD, MPH, Chimerix, Inc (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Global Life Technologies, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Merck & Co. (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Sanofi-Aventis (Other Financial or Material Support, Participate in clinical trial sponsored by NIAID (U01-AI132004); vaccines for this trial are provided by Sanofi-Aventis)

Author(s):  
Olivia S Kates ◽  
Elizabeth M Krantz ◽  
Juhye Lee ◽  
John Klaassen ◽  
Jessica Morris ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Antimicrobial utilization at end of life is common, but whether advance directives correlate with usage is unknown. We sought to determine whether Washington State Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form completion or antimicrobial preferences documented therein correlate with subsequent inpatient antimicrobial prescribing at end of life. Methods A single-center, retrospective cohort study of adult patients at a cancer center who died between January 1, 2016 – June 30, 2019. We used negative binomial models adjusted for age, sex, and malignancy type to test the relationship between POLST form completion ≥ 30 days before death, antimicrobial preferences and antimicrobial days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 inpatient days in the last 30 days of life. Results Among 1295 eligible decedents with ≥1 inpatient day during the last 30 days of life, 318 (24.6%) completed a POLST form. Of 318, 120 (37.7%) were completed ≥ 30 days before death; 35/120 (29.2%) specified limited antimicrobials, 55/120 (45.8%) specified full antimicrobial use, and 30/120 (25%) omitted antimicrobial preference. 83% (1070/1295) received ≥1 inpatient antimicrobial. Median total and IV antimicrobial DOT/1000 inpatient-days was 1077 and 667. Patients specifying limited antimicrobials had significantly lower total antimicrobial DOT (adjusted incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.68, 95% CI 0.49-0.95, p=0.02) and IV antimicrobial DOT (IRR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38-0.86, p=0.008) compared to those without a POLST. Conclusions Indicating a preference for limited antimicrobials on a POLST form ≥30 days before death may lead to less inpatient antimicrobial use in the last 30 days of life.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S255-S256
Author(s):  
Leah H Yoke ◽  
Leah H Yoke ◽  
Juhye Lee ◽  
Elizabeth M Krantz ◽  
Jessica Morris ◽  
...  

Abstract Background High morbidity and mortality has been observed with COVID-19 infection; however, there are limited data on clinical characteristics including exposures, coinfections, and antimicrobial use among cancer patients. We aimed to better characterize clinical features and outcomes in this population. Methods We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by RT-PCR between February 28, 2020 and May 3, 2020. We obtained demographic and clinical data including coinfections, antimicrobial use and outcomes at 30 days after diagnosis. Results Of 60 patients reviewed, the median age was 62 years (range 22–98) and 43% were male. 34 (57%) patients had solid tumors and 16 (27%) hematologic malignancies. Breast (12%), colorectal (8%) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (8%) were the most prevalent cancers. 34 (57%) had ≥ 2 comorbidities. The majority of identified exposures were from long-term care facilities (LTCF) (27%) or household contacts (25%) (Fig 1). The most common symptoms at diagnosis were cough (72%), fevers/chills (57%), shortness of breath (38%), nasal congestion/rhinorrhea (35%), and diarrhea (30%). 18 (31%) patients were prescribed at least one course of antibiotics within 30 days of diagnosis; antibiotics were prescribed to 54% of hospitalized patients (Fig 2). 6 (10%) had a documented bacterial infection; of these, 3 were respiratory coinfections. No viral or fungal copathogens were reported. 26 (43%) patients were hospitalized, 9 (15%) admitted to intensive care, and one (2%) required mechanical ventilation. 12 (20%) died within 30 days of diagnosis (Fig 3); of these, 10 (83%) had ≥ 2 comorbidities and 8 (67%) had LTCF exposure. Conclusion COVID-19 is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in cancer patients, particularly among older age groups with multiple comorbidities and those with LTCF exposure. More than half of cases appeared to acquire SARS-CoV-2 from LTCF or household exposures, indicating need for infection prevention and family/caregiver education. Despite few documented bacterial coinfections, antibiotic use within 30 days of diagnosis was common and likely empiric due to limited diagnostics in the era of COVID-19. Disclosures Steven A. Pergam, MD, MPH, Chimerix, Inc (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Global Life Technologies, Inc. (Research Grant or Support)Merck & Co. (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Sanofi-Aventis (Other Financial or Material Support, Participate in clinical trial sponsored by NIAID (U01-AI132004); vaccines for this trial are provided by Sanofi-Aventis) Alpana Waghmare, MD, Amazon (Grant/Research Support)Amazon (Employee, Shareholder)Ansun Biopharma (Scientific Research Study Investigator)Kyorin Pharmaceuticals (Advisor or Review Panel member)


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S442-S443
Author(s):  
Denise Marie A Francisco ◽  
Liangliang Zhang ◽  
Ying Jiang ◽  
Adilene Olvera ◽  
Eduardo Yepez Guevara ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Antibiotic use is a risk factor for CDI. Few studies have correlated use of prior antibiotics with CDI severity in cancer patients. This study identified clinical and microbiology risk factors associated with severe CDI in patients with cancer. We hypothesized that previous antibiotic exposure and microbiome composition at time of CDI presentation, are risk factors for severe disease in cancer patients. Methods This non-interventional, prospective, single-center cohort study examined patients with cancer who had their first episode or first recurrence of CDI between Oct 27, 2016 and Jul 1, 2019. C. difficile was identified using nucleic acid amplification testing. Multivariate analysis was used to determine significant clinical risk factors for severe CDI as defined in the 2018 IDSA/SHEA guidelines. Alpha, and beta diversities were calculated to measure the average species diversity and the overall microbial composition. Differential abundance analysis and progressive permutation analysis were used to single out the significant microbial features that differed across CDI severity levels. Results Patient (n=200) demographics show mean age of 60 yrs., 53% female, majority White (76%) and non-Hispanic (85%). Prior 90 day metronidazole use (Odds Ratio OR 4.68 [1.47-14.91] p0.009) was a significant risk factor for severe CDI. Other factors included Horn’s Index > 2 (OR 7.75 [1.05-57.35] p0.045), Leukocytosis (OR 1.29 [1.16-1.43] p< 0.001), Neutropenia (OR 6.01 [1.34-26.89] p0.019) and Serum Creatinine >0.95 mg/dL (OR 25.30 [8.08-79.17] p< 0.001). Overall, there were no significant differences in alpha and beta diversity between severity levels. However, when identifying individual microbial features, the high presence of Bacteroides uniformis, Ruminococceae, Citrobacter koseri and Salmonella were associated with protection from severe CDI (p< 0.05). Table 1 - Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis of factors associated with severe CDI Figure 1. Microbiome features identified by progressive permutation analysis as seen in a volcano plot. Conclusion A number of risk factors for severe CDI were identified among this population, including prior 90 day metronidazole use. Also, increased relative abundance of Bacteroides uniformis, Ruminococceae, Citrobacter koseri and Salmonella were linked to protection from severe CDI. Reducing metronidazole use in patients with cancer may help prevent subsequent severe CDI. Disclosures Adilene Olvera, MPH MLS (ASCP), MERK (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator) Kevin W. Garey, PharmD, MS, FASHP, Merck & Co. (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator) Ryan J. Dillon, MSc, Merck & Co., Inc., (Employee) Engels N. Obi, PhD, Merck & Co. (Employee)


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s120-s120
Author(s):  
Alexandre Marra ◽  
Mireia Puig-Asensio ◽  
Eli Perencevich

Background: Improving the use of antibiotics across the care continuum will be necessary as we strive to protect our patients from antimicrobial resistance. One potential target for antimicrobial stewardship is during end-of-life care of patients with advanced dementia. We aimed to perform a systematic literature review measuring the burden of antibiotic use during end-of-life care in patients with dementia. Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, and Embase through July 2019 for studies with the following inclusion criteria in the initial analysis: (1) end-of-life patients (ie, dementia, cancer, organ failure, frailty or multi-morbidity); (2) antibiotic use in the end-of-life care; with the final analysis restricted to (3) patients with advanced dementia. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies were included. Results: Of the 93 full-text articles, 17 studies (18.3%) met the selection criteria for further analysis. Most of the included studies were retrospective (n = 8) or prospective (n = 8) cohort studies. These studies in combination included 2,501 patients with advanced dementia. Also, 5 studies (698 patients, [27.9%]) were restricted to patients with Alzheimer’s disease. In 5 studies in which data were available, fewer than one-quarter of patients (19.9%, 498) with advanced dementia were referred to palliative care. In 12 studies >50% of patients received antibiotics during the end-of-life period. Also, 15 studies did not report the duration of antimicrobial therapy. Only 2 studies reported the antimicrobial consumption in days of therapy per 1,000 resident days. Only 6 studies studied whether the use of antibiotics was associated with beneficial outcomes (survival or comfort), and none of them evaluated potential adverse effects associated with antibiotic use. Conclusions: There are significant gaps in the literature surrounding antimicrobial use at the end of life in patients with advanced dementia. Future studies are needed to evaluate the benefits and harms of using antibiotics for patients during end-of-life care in this patient population.Acknowledgement. We thank Jennifer Deberg from Hardin Library for the Health Sciences, University of Iowa Libraries on the search methods.Disclosures: NoneFunding: None


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S45-S45
Author(s):  
Jinhee Jo ◽  
Joshua Hendrickson ◽  
Anne J Gonzales-Luna ◽  
Nicholas D Beyda ◽  
Kevin W Garey

Abstract Background Invasive candidiasis (IC) is a common healthcare-associated infection. Rates of IC caused by drug-resistant Candida spp., designated by the CDC as a serious threat, are increasing, and Candida auris alone was recently added as an urgent threat. Echinocandins are guideline-preferred for the treatment of invasive candidiasis due to in vitro potency, a favorable toxicity profile, and convenient dosing. The purpose of this study was to perform a pharmacoepidemiologic analysis on patterns of echinocandin use at a large, quaternary care medical center. Methods Data reporting echinocandin use, pharmacy data, and clinical microbiologic data obtained from 2017–19 were pooled. Monthly days of therapy (DOT) per 1,000 patient days were calculated during the study period along with number of unique orders. Investigators evaluated the proportion of echinocandin-treated patients with or without positive Candida cultures; the relationship between echinocandin use and hospital admission and discharge dates was also evaluated. Results Echinocandin monthly DOT/1,000 patient days present averaged 26 (± 5) DOT and did not change appreciably during the study period. Of the patients with microbiologic evidence of Candida, 842 (51%) received echinocandin courses. Length of echinocandin therapy was significantly longer for patients with positive Candida cultures (5.5 ± 5.9 days) compared to those without positive cultures (3.9 ± 5.0 days; p< 0.001). Of 1,659 echinocandin courses evaluated, 549 courses (33%) were initiated within 2 days of hospital admission and the average time from hospital admission to echinocandin start was 9 (± 13) days. A total of 505 (24%) echinocandin courses were continued until the day of discharge. Conclusion The rate of echinocandin use did not change appreciably during the study period. A significant proportion of echinocandin courses were either started upon hospital admission or were continued until the day of discharge. Further studies to evaluate antifungal stewardship opportunities for the echinocandin pharmacologic class are warranted. Disclosures Nicholas D. Beyda, PharmD, BCPS, Astellas (Advisor or Review Panel member)Cidara (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator) Kevin W. Garey, PharMD, MS, FASHP, Merck & Co. (Grant/Research Support, Scientific Research Study Investigator)


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. s40-s40
Author(s):  
Parul Singh ◽  
Purva Mathur ◽  
Kamini Walia ◽  
Anjan Trikha

Background: Antimicrobial decision making in the ICU is challenging. Injudicious use of antimicrobials contributes to the development of resistant pathogens and drug-related adverse events. However, inadequate antimicrobial therapy is associated with mortality in critically ill patients. Antimicrobial stewardship programs are increasingly being implemented to improve prescribing. Methods: This prospective study was conducted over 11 months, during which the pharmacist used a standardized survey form to collect data on antibiotic use. Evaluation of antimicrobial use and stewardship practices in a 12-bed polytrauma ICU and a 20-bed neurosurgery ICU of the 248-bed AIIMS Trauma Center in Delhi, India. Antimicrobial consumption was measured using WHO-recommended defined daily dose (DDD) of given antimicrobials and days of therapy (DOT). Results: Antibiotics were ranked by frequency of use over the 11-month period based on empirical therapy and culture-based therapy. The 11-month DDD and DOT averages when empiric antibiotics were used were 532 of 1,000 patient days and 484 per 1,000 patient days, respectively (Figure 1). When cultures were available, DDD was 486 per 1,000 patient days and DOT was 442 per 1,000 patient days (Figure). Conclusions: The quantity and frequency of antibiotics used in the ICUs allowed the AMSP to identify areas to optimize antibiotic use such as educational initiatives, early specimen collection, and audit and feedback opportunities.Funding: NoDisclosures: None


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyeyoung Kim ◽  
Hyeon-Su Im ◽  
Kyong Og Lee ◽  
Young Joo Min ◽  
Jae-Cheol Jo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Cancer is a leading cause of death in Korea. To protect the autonomy and dignity of terminally ill patients, the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision-Making Act (LST-Act) came into full effect in Korea in February 2018. However, it is unclear whether the LST-Act influences end-of-life (EOL) discussion and decision-making processes for terminally ill cancer patients. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted with a medical record review of cancer patients who died at Ulsan University Hospital between July 2015 and May 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: those who died in the period before the implementation of the LST-Act (from July 2015 to October 2017, Group 1) and after the implementation of the LST-Act (from February 2018 to May 2020, Group 2). We measured the self-determination rate and the timing of documentation of Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) or Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) in both groups. Results: A total of 1,834 patients were included in the analysis (Group 1, n=943; Group 2, n=891). Documentation of DNR or POLST was completed by patients themselves in 1.5% and 63.5% of patients in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p<0.001). The mean number of days between documentation of POLST or DNR and death was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (21.2 days vs. 14.4 days, p=0.001). The rate of late discussion, defined as documentation of DNR or POLST within seven days prior to death, decreased significantly in Group 2 (46.6% vs. 41.4%, p=0.027). In the multivariable analysis, hospice palliative care referral (OR [odds ratio] 0.25, p<0.001) and patients’ years of education (OR 0.68, p=0.027) were positively related to self-determination. However, physicians with clinical experience of less than three years had a higher rate of surrogate decision-making (OR 5.1, p=0.029) and late discussion (OR 2.53, p=0.019). Conclusions: After the implementation of the LST-Act, the rate of self-determination increased and EOL discussion occurred earlier than in the era before the implementation of the LST-Act.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S219-S220
Author(s):  
Matthew B Goetz ◽  
Christopher J Graber ◽  
Makoto M Jones ◽  
Vanessa W Stevens ◽  
Peter A Glassman ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The VA initiated an antimicrobial stewardship program in 2011, which includes participation in the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Antimicrobial Use Option, educational webinars, training programs for antimicrobial stewards, required staffing & reporting, and quality improvement initiatives, that has led to ongoing decreases in antimicrobial therapy nationwide. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, there are several factors that may contribute increases in antimicrobial use (increased presentations of lower respiratory tract infection, concern for bacterial co-infection with SARS-CoV-2, etc.). We sought to compare patterns of antibacterial use in the VA from January – May 2020 with corresponding time periods in prior years. Methods Data on antibacterial use from 2015 – 2020 were extracted from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse for acute inpatient care units in 84 VA facilities (facilities which provide limited acute inpatient services were excluded). To control for seasonal effects, only data from January to May for each year were included in the analysis. Days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 days-present (DP) were calculated and stratified by CDC-defined antibiotic classes. Results From 2015 – 2019, total antibiotic use from January to May decreased by a mean of 9.1 DOT/1000 DP per year. In contrast, from 2019 to 2020, antibiotic use over the same months increased by 26.4 DOT/1000 DP (Table). Increases were observed in all drug classes except for a decrease in narrow spectrum ß-lactam antibiotics. Total antibiotic DOT in 2020 increased by 27.9 and 7.3 DOT/1000 DP in facilities in the highest and lowest terciles of use in 2019 (Figure). Table – Trends in Yearly Antibiotic Use by CDC Drug Class, 2015 to 2019 versus 2019 to 2020 Figure – Facility Specific Total Antibiotic Use in 2019 and Change in Use from 2019 to 2020 Conclusion We observed a broad increase in antibacterial use during the initial surge of COVID-19 cases in VA facilities that abruptly reversed steady reductions in use over the prior 4 years. The degree to which this increase reflects potentially appropriate use in the setting of increased patient vulnerability and provider uncertainty, inappropriately decreased provider thresholds for initiating or continuing therapy, or stresses on the structure and staffing of antimicrobial stewardship programs requires further study. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S359-S359
Author(s):  
Rebekah W Moehring ◽  
Matthew Phelan ◽  
Eric Lofgren ◽  
Alicia Nelson ◽  
Melinda M Neuhauser ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Comparison of antimicrobial use (AU) rates among hospitals can identify areas to intervene for antimicrobial stewardship. Hospital AU interpretation is difficult without risk-adjustment for patient mix. Identifying high- or low-risk patient characteristics, or “electronic phenotypes,” for receipt of antimicrobials using data from electronic health records (EHR) could help define risk-adjustment factors AU comparisons. Methods We performed a retrospective study of EHR-derived data from adult and pediatric inpatients within the Duke University Health System from October 2015 to September 2017. Encounters were included if the patient spent time in an inpatient location. The analysis aimed to identify subpopulations that were high- or low-risk for antimicrobial exposure based on EHR data summarized on the encounter level. Antimicrobial days of therapy (DOT) and days present, representing the length of stay (LOS), were defined as in the 2018 NHSN AU Option. Location exposures were defined in binary variables if patients were housed at least 1 day on a hospital unit type. We compared antimicrobial-exposed to unexposed patients as well as DOT among various factors including demographics, location, nonantimicrobial medications, labs, ICD-10 codes, and diagnosis-related groups (DRG). Results The EHR-derived dataset included 170,294 encounters and 204 variables in one academic and two community hospitals; 80,192 (47%) received at least one antimicrobial. Distributions of both LOS and DOT were zero-inflated and skewed by long outliers (figure). Encounters with >=7 DOT made up 63% of total DOT, but only 9% of inpatient encounters. Electronic phenotypes with highest DOT included those with long lengths of stay, older age, exposures to stem cell transplant, pulmonary, and critical care units, and DRG that included transplant, respiratory, or infectious diagnoses. Zero DOT phenotypes included those with short lengths of stay, exposure to labor and delivery wards, medical wards, and DRG that included birth and pregnancy. Conclusion Future work in defining risk-adjustment factors for hospital AU data comparisons should determine if factors associated with low- or high-risk electronic phenotypes assist in prediction of antibiotic use. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1069-1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fur-Hsing Wen ◽  
Jen-Shi Chen ◽  
Wen-Cheng Chang ◽  
Wen-Chi Chou ◽  
Chia-Hsun Hsieh ◽  
...  

Background: Factors facilitating/hindering concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining treatments may be distorted if preferences and predictors are measured long before death. Aim: To examine factors facilitating/hindering concordance between cancer patients’ preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states in their last 6 months. Design: Longitudinal, observational design. Setting/participants: States of preferred and received life-sustaining treatments (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, intensive care unit care, cardiac massage, intubation with mechanical ventilation, intravenous nutritional support, and nasogastric tube feeding) were examined in 218 Taiwanese cancer patients by a latent transition model with hidden Markov modeling. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to examine factors facilitating/hindering concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states. Results: Concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states was poor (40.8%, kappa value (95% confidence interval): 0.05 [–0.03, 0.14]). Patients who accurately understood their prognosis and preferred comfort care were significantly more likely to receive preferred life-sustaining treatments before death than those who did not know their prognosis but wanted to know, those who were uniformly uncertain about what life-sustaining treatments they preferred to receive, and those who preferred nutritional support but declined other life-sustaining treatments. Patient age, physician–patient end-of-life-care discussions, symptom distress, and functional dependence were not associated with concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states. Conclusion: Prognostic awareness and preferred states of life-sustaining treatments were significantly associated with concordance between preferred and received life-sustaining-treatment states. Personalized interventions should be developed to cultivate terminally ill cancer patients’ accurate prognostic awareness, allowing them to formulate realistic life-sustaining-treatment preferences and facilitating their receiving value-concordant end-of-life care.


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