Framing Effects on End-of-Life Preferences Among Latino Elders

Abstract

This study compared how the presentation of end-of-life (EOL) choices influences responses by Latino and White older adults relative to resuscitation preferences. The authors apply prospect theory, which deals with decision making based on how choices are framed. Participants were presented with differently ordered questions framing a resuscitation scenario and asked to rate their preferences. Results show that Latino participants were significantly influenced by the framing order of treatment options with regard to resuscitation while Whites were not. Health professionals need to be aware that the ways they present EOL options are likely to affect the choices of Latino older adults. Further research is needed with Latino subgroups.

Keywords:

• end-of-life decisions
• Latinos
• older adults
• prospect theory
• resuscitation

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (grant number 26-1698-2100).