Doctors' End-of-Life Preferences Differ from Public
Doctors prefer dying at home with loved ones, avoiding life-prolonging measures, differing from the general public.
Why it matters
- Physicians' preferences for end-of-life care differ from the general public.
- Insights could inform better end-of-life care discussions and policies.
By the numbers
- 45 doctors interviewed from Italy, Belgium, and the U.S.
- 15 doctors from each country.
- Most physicians prefer avoiding life-prolonging measures like CPR and mechanical ventilation.
The big picture
- Doctors' preferences are shaped by their clinical experiences and witnessing unpleasant deaths.
- They prioritize quality of life over longevity at the end of life.
What they're saying
- Life-prolonging measures can increase suffering, especially in frail individuals.
- CPR is often ineffective and traumatic for older patients.
- Public opinions may differ due to lack of exposure to long-term ailments and death.
Caveats
- The study is based on a small sample size (45 doctors).
- Preferences may change as individuals approach death.
What’s next
- Larger studies could validate these findings across a broader population.
- More research on how these preferences compare with the general public.