Hospice Programs Improve Quality of Life for Men Dying of Prostate Cancer

Strategic Insights -

Research from the University of California demonstrates that hospice programs significantly enhance the quality of life and death for men suffering from prostate cancer. The study focused on a cohort of 14,521 Medicare beneficiaries who died from prostate cancer between 1992 and 2005. The results showed that 53% of these men utilized hospice services for a median duration of 24 days. African American ethnicity and a higher Charlson comorbidity index were found to be associated with lower odds of hospice use, whereas having a partner and a more recent year of death were linked to higher odds of hospice enrollment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Out of 14,521 men dying of prostate cancer, 7,646 (53%) used hospice services for a median of 24 days.
  • African American ethnicity (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.88) and a higher Charlson comorbidity index (OR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.44-0.55) were associated with lower odds of hospice use.
  • Having a partner (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.14-1.32) and more recent year of death (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.11-1.14) were associated with higher odds of hospice use.
  • Men who enrolled in hospice were less likely (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.74-0.91) to receive high-intensity care, including intensive care unit admissions, inpatient stays, and multiple emergency department visits.
  • The proportion of individuals using hospice is increasing, but the timing of hospice referral remains poor.
  • Those who enroll in hospice are less likely to receive high-intensity end-of-life care.
  • The study highlights the importance of hospice programs in improving the quality of life and death for men dying of prostate cancer.

Statistics:

  • 53% of men dying of prostate cancer used hospice services (n = 7,646/14,521).
  • Median duration of hospice use: 24 days.
  • Proportion of African American men who used hospice: lower (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.68-0.88).
  • Proportion of men with a partner who used hospice: higher (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.14-1.32).
  • Year of death: 1992-2005.

Sources:

  • J. Bergman et al., "Hospice Use and High-Intensity Care in Men Dying of Prostate Cancer," Archives of Internal Medicine, 2011;171(3):204-210.
  • University of California, Dept. of Urology, Box 951738, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States.
  • American Medical Association, 515 N State St., Chicago, IL 60654-0946, USA.