Discussing POLST-facilitated hospice care enrollment in patients with terminal cancer.

PURPOSE

A multicenter prospective study to evaluate the feasibility of Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) in oncology practice was conducted between June and December 2017. Factors associated with POLST completion and follow-up outcomes were analyzed.

METHODS

Patients with terminal cancer, aged ≥ 20 years and capable of communicating, were enrolled from seven hospitals. Demographic data were collected and updated in February 2021. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Among 336 patients, 105 (31.3%) completed POLST, which was more common in male (p = 0.029), patients with better performance (p < 0.001), longer duration of follow-up (p = 0.037), and those living with children (p = 0.023). Male (odds ratio [OR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-3.51; p = 0.012), having good performance status (OR, 2.38; 95% CI, (1.35-4.19); p = 0.003), transferred from other departments (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, (0.26-0.98); p = 0.045), and living with children (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, (1.11-3.47); p = 0.020) were significant predictors of POLST completion. Patients who completed POLST were more likely to enroll in hospice care (p = 0.012) or experience out-of-hospital death (p = 0.016) at end-of-life (EOL). POLST completion showed a strong association with hospice enrollment at EOL (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, (1.08-6.32); p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Gender, patient performance, timing of POLST discussion, and type of household were associated with POLST completion. Earlier discussions on POLST could reinforce hospice enrollment or non-aggressive EOL care.