Journal of palliative medicine
-
Oncology providers often find it difficult to discuss end-of-life issues with patients and assume that patients are reluctant to think about the issues involved. This study examined whether or not patients with metastatic breast cancer had advance directives, and if so, with whom they discussed written plans for end-of-life decisions. ⋯ The majority of patients gathered information about advance directives and had made written plans, yet few discussed these plans with their providers. Explicit discussion of advance directives and patient preferences regarding end-of-life care are lacking in this setting. Facilitation of doctor-patient communication about end-of-life care is needed in order to provide quality patient care at this difficult time.