The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (23): 3676-3683.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2025.23.007

• Clinical Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

End‑of‑life resuscitation decision‑making preferences and their influencing factors among terminally ill patients with malignant tumors

Tingting JIANG1,Rujun ZHENG1,Zheng JI2,Dan WEI3,Qian. CHEN2()   

  1. *.Department of Center of Department of Biotherapy Research,West China Hospital,Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing,Sichuan University,Chengdu 610000,Sichuan,China
  • Received:2025-09-11 Online:2025-12-10 Published:2025-12-18
  • Contact: Qian. CHEN E-mail:chen_qian@scu.edu.cn

Abstract:

Objective To explore the preferences and influencing factors of terminal malignant tumor patients, and to provide a basis for optimizing hospice care. Methods A convenience sampling method was employed to select 485 patients with terminal malignant tumors from the oncology departments of two tertiary, class-A hospitals in Sichuan Province between September 2023 and November 2024. Data on demographic characteristics, decision-making-related information, preferences regarding resuscitation, and cultural belief levels were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results In critical situations, 39.4% of patients opted for active rescue, 33.6% chose to forgo treatment, and 27.0% preferred to maintain current treatment. Acceptance rates for nine specific interventions ranged from 28.9% to 61.2%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that stronger cultural beliefs, younger age, having a spouse, being the primary caregiver, employee medical insurance coverage, and use of invasive tubes were significantly associated with a tendency toward active or continued treatment (P < 0.05). Prioritizing quality of life or concerns about economic burden were significantly associated with the decision to forgo life-sustaining interventions (P < 0.05). Conclusions Patients with terminal malignant tumors exhibit diverse preferences regarding end-of-life resuscitation, significantly shaped by cultural beliefs, demographic factors, and family support. Clinicians should integrate patients’ values, cultural backgrounds, and individual needs to provide tiered decision-making support, thereby facilitating medically appropriate and value-concordant care choices.

Key words: malignant tumor, terminal stage, resuscitation decision-making, treatment preference

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