Exploring Uncertainty in Advance Care Planning in African Americans: Does Low Health Literacy Influence Decision Makring Preference at End of Life

    Authors

    L. Melhado;A. Bushy

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Am. J. Hosp. Palliat. Med.

    Keywords

    health literacy; advance care planning; uncertainty in illness theory; theoretical framework; African Americans; end of life; decision making; disparity; BLACK-AND-WHITE; ETHNIC-DIFFERENCES; MEDICAL-CARE; OLDER-ADULTS; HOSPICE; USE; COMMUNICATION; RACE; DISPARITIES; BARRIERS; CANCER; Health Care Sciences & Services

    Abstract

    African Americans over 65 represent 3.5 of the 35.6 million Americans. Morbidity and mortality rates are highest among this group; associated with lack of resources and awareness of health problems. But health needs are the same at end of life, yet care is less than optimal. African Americans are less likely to have advance directives nonetheless desire communication, information, respect, and a trusting doctor-patient relationship. Low health literacy may contribute to this disparity. This scholarly review examines the health literacy in advance care planning and refines concepts of uncertainty in illness theory deriving a model for advance care planning in African Americans.

    Journal Title

    American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine

    Volume

    28

    Issue/Number

    7

    Publication Date

    1-1-2011

    Document Type

    Review

    Language

    English

    First Page

    495

    Last Page

    500

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000297487000007

    ISSN

    1049-9091

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