ERIC Number: EJ789601
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008-Mar
Pages: 18
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0748-1187
EISSN: N/A
Actual and Perceived Gender Differences in the Accuracy of Surrogate Decisions about Life-Sustaining Medical Treatment among Older Spouses
Zettel-Watson, Laura; Ditto, Peter H.; Danks, Joseph H.; Smucker, William D.
Death Studies, v32 n3 p273-290 Mar 2008
This study examined the influence of surrogate gender on the accuracy of substituted judgments about the use of life-sustaining treatment in a sample of 249 older adults and their self-selected surrogate decision-makers. Overall, wives were more accurate than husbands at predicting their spouses' treatment wishes. Surrogates' perceptions of their own abilities did not differ by gender but, among patients, husbands had more confidence than wives in their spouses' accuracy as, and comfort being, a surrogate. The results are discussed within the context of broader gender differences in caregiving and highlight the need for more research regarding predictors of surrogate accuracy to assist patients in selecting surrogates who will help protect their end of life wishes. (Contains 3 tables and 2 footnotes.)
Descriptors: Medical Services, Spouses, Patients, Gender Differences, Death, Older Adults, Decision Making, Caregivers, Predictor Variables
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/default.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A