SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Sex, Ethnic and Racial Differences in End-of-Life Care in Texan Lung Cancer Decedents

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This study examined sex, racial, and ethnic differences in end-of-life care among Texas Medicare beneficiaries who died from lung cancer. Using Texas Cancer Registry data linked to Medicare, researchers identified 12,951 decedents age 66 or older diagnosed between 2010 and 2018 and analyzed healthcare use in the last 30 days of life, including emergency room visits, ICU stays, inpatient admissions, advance care planning, and hospice enrollment.<br /><br />Key findings showed clear disparities. Men had higher rates of ER visits, ICU admissions, and inpatient admissions, while women were more likely to enroll in hospice. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic decedents had the highest healthcare utilization at the end of life and were less likely to use hospice than non-Hispanic White decedents. Non-Hispanic Black patients had greater odds of inpatient admission and lower odds of hospice enrollment compared with non-Hispanic Whites; similar patterns were seen for Hispanics. Advance care planning was low across all groups.<br /><br />The study also found that Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic decedents had higher comorbidity burdens, and Non-Hispanic Black patients were more likely to have disability as their original Medicare entitlement. The authors conclude that males, Non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic lung cancer decedents experienced more intensive end-of-life care and less hospice use, while females had less aggressive care and more hospice enrollment.<br /><br />Overall, the findings mirror national patterns and suggest that later-stage disease, higher comorbidity, and other factors may contribute to these disparities. The study highlights the need to improve advance care planning and equitable hospice use among lung cancer patients in Texas.

Asset Subtitle

Myrna K. Serna

Meta Tag

Author List Aimee Rodriguez, Anjali Ramachandran, Efstathia Polychronopoulou, Margaret Goodrich, Mukaila Raji, Myrna K. Serna, Sean O'Mahoney, Yong-Fang Kuo

Category Research

Concept End-of-Life Healthcare Utilization

Concept Hospice Enrollment

Concept Advance care planning

Concept Emergency Department Visits

Concept Intensive Care Unit Admission

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization University of Texas Medical Branch

Presenting Author Myrna K. Serna

Track Outcomes Research

Keywords

lung cancer

end-of-life care

Texas Medicare beneficiaries

racial disparities

ethnic disparities

hospice enrollment

intensive care utilization

advance care planning

emergency room visits

inpatient admissions

End-of-Life Healthcare Utilization

Hospice Enrollment

Advance care planning

Emergency Department Visits

Intensive Care Unit Admission