Congruence of decisions between patients and their potential surrogates about life-sustaining therapies

Abstract

Decisions concerning life-sustaining treatments and the congruence in decision-making between patients and potential surrogates were examined. The ability of a patient-chosen surrogate to make decisions reflecting the wishes of that patient was estimated. Thirty patient-surrogate pairs independently responded to vignettes of five treatments. Patients and surrogates made similar decisions on all treatments except cancer chemotherapy, for which surrogates were significantly more likely to choose treatment when patients would have them refuse. The findings can assist patients and clinicians in choosing a surrogate whose decision-making corresponds with patient choices.