Decision-making capacity in elderly, terminally ill patients with cancer Journal Article
| Authors: | Sorger, B. M.; Rosenfeld, B.; Pessin, H.; Timm, A. K.; Cimino, J. |
| Article Title: | Decision-making capacity in elderly, terminally ill patients with cancer |
| Abstract: | Despite the importance and complexity of evaluating decision-making capacity at the end of life, little research has focused on terminally ill patients' decision-making ability. The purpose of this study was to explore the decision-making capacity of elderly, terminally ill patients and the psychological and physical factors that affect decision making. Decision-making capacity and cognitive abilities were assessed using four measures: the Hopkins Competency Assessment Kit, the Bechara Gambling Task, the Concept Assessment Kit, and the Mini Mental Status Exam. In addition, symptoms of depression, level of physical functioning, and extent of physical symptoms were evaluated in order to identify correlates of decision-making ability. Two samples were compared: elderly, terminally ill patients with cancer (n = 43) and elderly, physically healthy adults living in supportive community residence (n = 35). Results revealed significantly poorer decision-making abilities among the terminal ill sample compared with healthy comparisons, but no association between demographic variables (e.g., age, race, or education) or clinical variables (depression or physical symptoms) and decision making. Implications for evaluating decision-making capacity are addressed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
| Keywords: | clinical article; controlled study; aged; cancer patient; neoplasms; demography; terminally ill patient; chronic disease; health care; depression; symptom; comorbidity; cognition; mental disease; terminal care; memory; educational status; decision making; health care planning; functional status; physical capacity; mini mental state examination; terminal disease; community living |
| Journal Title: | Behavioral Sciences and the Law |
| Volume: | 25 |
| Issue: | 3 |
| ISSN: | 0735-3936 |
| Publisher: | John Wiley & Sons |
| Date Published: | 2007-05-01 |
| Start Page: | 393 |
| End Page: | 404 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1002/bsl.764 |
| PUBMED: | 17506076 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | --- - "Cited By (since 1996): 4" - "Export Date: 17 November 2011" - "CODEN: BSLAD" - "Source: Scopus" |
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