Exploratory Study Comparing End-of-Life Care Intensity between Chinese American and White Advanced Cancer Patients at an American Tertiary Medical Center

Background: Understanding ethnic disparities in end-of-life care (EOLC) intensity is central to improving outcomes for diverse populations. Although Chinese Americans represent one of the fastest growing ethnic groups in the United States, little is known about their EOLC intensity. Objective: To explore differences in indicators of high-intensity EOLC in the final 30 days of life, place of death, and hospice utilization between Chinese American and White advanced cancer patients. Methods: In this exploratory review, we collected data on 48 Chinese American and 48 White stage IV solid tumor patients who died during 2013–2018. Indicators of high-intensity care from the final 30 days of life included ≥2 hospital, ≥1 intensive care unit (ICU), and/or ≥2 emergency department admissions; cardiopulmonary resuscitation administration and mechanical ventilation (MV); place of death; and whether patients were on hospice at death. Results: Among Chinese American and White patients, respectively, 49% and 36% died in the hospital, 15% and 7% died in the ICU, 17% and 8% received MV, and 6% and 13% had ≥1 hospital admission lasting >14 days. Seventeen percent of Chinese American and 43% of White patients died at home. Hospice enrollment was similar between groups. Seventeen percent of Chinese American and 8% of White patients died within 30 days of diagnosis. Conclusion: Results suggest that fewer Chinese Americans died at home, whereas more died in the ICU, received MV, and died within 30 days of cancer diagnosis, indicating possible disparities in EOLC. Further studies are needed to explore findings from this exploratory investigation.