Racial differences in perceptions held by caregivers of long-term ventilator patients at end of life.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this pilot study was to describe and compare perceptions of preparation for death and satisfaction with end-of-life care in African American and Caucasian caregivers of long-term ventilator (LTV) patients.


METHODS
A comparative descriptive design was used to pilot test items from specific domains from the After-Death Bereaved Family Member Interview. Interviews were conducted on 37 bereaved caregivers of LTV patients who participated in a large experimental study.


RESULTS
There was a statistically significant association between African American and Caucasian caregivers in the area of being informed of the patient's condition. African American caregivers felt more informed than Caucasian caregivers. Over half of African American and Caucasian caregivers reported feeling 'fairly to very confident' about what to expect when their loved one was dying.


CONCLUSIONS
Health care providers should be sensitive to potential differences between African American and Caucasian family caregivers in providing end-of-life care.
Kelley
Carol G
CG
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA. carol.kelley@case.edu
Daly
Barbara J
BJ
Douglas
Sara L
SL
Standing
Theresa
T
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D044383:Black People; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D013727:Terminal Care; D044465:White People; D001741:Black or African American