End-of-life care: Differences in perceptions on between patients and family members

Abstract

End-of-Life Care (ELC) has recently received attention from medical professionals due to the growing number of cancer patients. This descriptive relational study was conducted to determine the differences in perceptions of ELC between patients and family members in selected oncology clinics in Iloilo City. Patients and family members had different perspectives about ELC measures, including preserving life, allowing resuscitation, ventilator use, ICU admission, NGT feeding, parenteral nutrition, and dialysis. Family members tend to be more supportive of ELC measures than the patients. The monthly income and relationship with the patient have some bearing on how the family member perceived ELC. With the differences in their perception of ELC, advocating for advance directives is recommended. If allowed by the patient, family members closely involved in healthcare decision-making must also be included in the discussions to ensure congruence between the patient and family members.