‘Substantial’ racial disparities found in use of hospice care at end of life

Among dialysis patients who were nearing end of life, white patients were significantly more likely to use hospice care, compared with black, Asian and American Indian patients, according to recently presented data.

Robert N. Foley, MD, associate professor, department of medicine, University of Minnesota, and colleagues analyzed data from the 2006 to 2011 United States Renal Data System to assess racial discrepancies during end-of-life care among dialysis patients.

Results demonstrated that in 2011, the proportion of deaths in hospice was 24.2%, up from 14.7% in 2006.

Increases in death while in hospice care were seen among all age groups. In 2011, patients aged 90 years and older were most likely to die in hospice (39.6%), followed by patients aged 80 to 89 years (34.3%), aged 65 to 79 years (26.1%) and patients 65 years and younger (15%), according to the researchers.

Dialysis patients who were black, Native American or Asian were 43% to 44% less likely to use hospice care at the end of life compared with white patients, according to a press release.

“While increasingly considered as an option for end-of-care treatment in dialysis patients, racial disparities are profound. These findings highlight the need for high-quality research into the benefits, if any, of dialysis therapy in older and sicker segments of society,” Foley said in a press release. – by Casey Hower

Reference:

Foley RN, et al. Hospice and Race for End-of-Life Care in U.S. Dialysis Patients. Abstract SA-PO783. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week 2015; Nov. 3-8; San Diego.

Disclosures: Foley reports being a consultant for and receiving honoraria from Novatis, Fibrogen, Baxter and Satellite Health.