Cultural values influence on rural family caregivers' decision-making for ill older adult loved ones

Cultural values influence on rural family caregivers' decision-making for ill older adult loved ones
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, by Shena Gazaway, PhD, RN; J. Nicholas Odom, PhD, RN; Ivan Herbey, MD, MPH; Margaret Armstrong, MSN; Felicia Underwood, LICSW, MPA; T. Vantrice Heard, PhD; Ashley Allen, BSN, RN; Christiana Ekelem, BS; Marie A. Bakitas, DNSc, CRNP; Ronit Elk, PhD; 4/24
Rural older adult Americans receive more intense treatment at end of life. Studies indicate that those who participate in goals of care conversations receive care more concordant with their values. Yet, rates of documented goals of care discussions are lower in rural and Black communities. Although multi-factorial, the role that rural family caregivers play in decision-making for ill loved ones is understudied.