Does ethnicity matter—Cultural factors underlying older adults’ end-of-life care preferences: A systematic review

• Published in: Geriatric nursing (New York) Vol. 41; no. 2; pp. 89 - 97
• Main Authors: Rahemi, Zahra, Williams, Christine Lisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.2020
• Subjects: Advance care planning; Aged; Decision Making; End of life care; Ethnic Groups - psychology; Ethnicity and culture; Humans; Older adults; Patient Preference - ethnology; Preferences; Terminal Care; End of life care; Advance care planning; Preferences; Older adults; Ethnicity and culture
• ISSN: 0197-4572; 1528-3984; 1528-3984
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2019.07.001

Due to low levels of planned care, older adults of underrepresented communities tend to experience higher rates of unwanted treatments at end of life (EOL). The purpose of this review was to identify factors that may explain differences in EOL care preferences and planning between older adults from the general population and ethnically diverse populations. We hypothesized that culture-specific factors may be fundamental. To describe similarities and differences, we conducted a comprehensive literature search using keywords and subject headings. Findings from 14 studies were critically examined, grouped, and compared across studies and populations. While studies on general populations showed the significance of health and sociodemographic factors, studies on underrepresented groups frequently cited the importance of spirituality, belief systems, acculturation, healthcare system distrust, and social networks.