Ont. research points to mismatch between cancer patient preferences, and actual end of life care

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November 16, 2022

The last 100 days of life for people dying of cancer are marked by increasing healthcare use and costs as they face aggressive treatments and often suffer with severe pain. While research suggests most people prefer a home death, this study finds people dying of cancer in Ont. spent most of their final days in healthcare institutions or at home without healthcare supports. Researchers found:

  • People spent, on average, 26 days in healthcare institutions, 26 days in the community receiving care at their doctor’s office or from home care services and 48 days at home without any care; and
  • As neighbourhood income increased, patients spent fewer days in institutions and more days at home. People of the lowest neighbourhood income spent fewer days at home with home care than those of the highest neighbourhood income - a resource which, researchers say, ideally shouldn’t vary based on income in a universal healthcare system.

Related:
Soins palliatifs à domicile au Canada: Il est temps que cette option soit offerte à toute la population - CMAJ

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