Urologist attitudes toward end-of-life care.

OBJECTIVE

To examine urology trainees' views about the quality and current practices of end-of-life care and to explore strategies for improving integration and quality of care.

METHODS

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 trainees from 4 institutions in different regions of the United States. Open-ended questions allowed participants to express themselves independently, and follow-up discussions explored their perception of current end-of-life practices, as well as avenues for future integration and improvement. We analyzed transcripts using a multistage, cutting-and-sorting technique in an inductive approach based on grounded theory analysis.

RESULTS

Clinicians agreed that their patients do not currently receive ideal care and were interested in joining a team geared towards improving care at the end of life. They expressed a preference for a multidisciplinary team, although the precise role each wanted to play within the team varied. Better identification of depression, pain, and patient-centered goals to allow value-congruent care were high in priorities for improvement. Trainees cited the lack of an educational curriculum on end-of-life care as a barrier to improving care and expressed a desire for formal education on this topic.

CONCLUSION

Urology trainees believe that end-of-life care can be improved and are interested in participating as part of a multidisciplinary team to better care for these individuals. There was consensus that end-of-life care should be formally taught to all intern and resident physicians and care at the end of life should be integrated to pursue value-congruent care for each patient.