title: Place of Care at End of Life: What Factors Are Associated With Patients' and Their Family Members' Preferences?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Few Asian studies have elucidated factors influencing patients and their family members on their preferred place of care at the end of life. This pilot study describes the perceptions of Singaporean patients with cancer and their family members that affect their choices in place of care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients with cancer and their family members were surveyed at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. This convenience sample was recruited from April to July 2012.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen pairs of patients and their family members (N = 28) were recruited. A majority of patients (64.3%) and family members (71.4%) were found to have a preferred place of care at the end of life. Of the respondents who expressed a preference (n = 19), 88.9% of patients and 90.0% of family members named "home" as their preferred place of care. Quality of care at home was rated "good" or "excellent" by all patients and 85.7% of family members.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Home is the most favored choice among patients and family members who have a preferred place of care.
authors.affiliation: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Alvona Zi Hui
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Loh
authors.affiliation: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Julia Shi Yu
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.affiliation: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Tan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Jinxuan
authors.affiliation: Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Teo Yi
authors.initials: TY
authors.lastname: Lyn
authors.affiliation: Division of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore lalit.krishna@nccs.com.sg.
authors.forename: Lalit Kumar Radha
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Krishna
authors.affiliation: Division of Palliative Medicine, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Cynthia Ruth
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Goh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001293:Attitude to Death; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D057240:Patient Preference; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012846:Singapore; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000379:methods*
keywords: cancer; end of life; palliative care; place of care; preferences