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Jerome E Kurent

Publications and source records attributed to Jerome E Kurent.

4 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Care at the end of life: focus on communication and race.

OBJECTIVE: To profile communication and recommendations reported by adults with terminal illness and explore differences by patient and physician characteristics. METHOD: This pilot was a cross-sectional study sample of 90 patients (39 Caucasian, 51 African American) with advanced heart failure or cancer. Participants completed an in-person, race-matched interview. RESULTS: Participation was high (94%). DISCUSSION: For example, only 30% reported discussion of advance directives, and 22% reported their physician inquired about spiritual support. Participants with cancer were significantly more likely to be receiving pain and/or symptom management at home, aware of prognosis, and participating in hospice. African American participants who were under the care of African American physicians were less likely to report pain and/or symptom management than other racial matches.Discussion: Although additional research on factors related to communication is important, initiation of patient-centered counseling by all physicians with seriously ill patients is essential.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

End-of-life care and African Americans: voices from the community.

BACKGROUND: In 1997, the Institute of Medicine called for reform, improved quality and expanded research in end-of-life care. Yet little empirical information about preferences of African Americans has been documented. A community-campus partnership was formed to guide a needs assessment related to end-of-life care in a Southern, urban, African American community. This paper presents focus group findings related to end-of-life and palliative care. METHODS: A qualitative design of multiple-meeting focus groups was used to explore experiences, preferences, needs, and feelings expressed by family members with at least one relative who had died in a hospital (group 1) or at home (group 2). Sessions were taped and transcribed; themes were identified using systematic analytic procedures. RESULTS: Thematic analysis revealed key concerns related to health care provider communications about end-of-life care and dying. Positive communications empowered and showed respect for patients and family members and recognized the importance of their spiritual beliefs; informed them about resources available to assist dying at home; and, for patients dying in the hospital, treated them with nurturing, compassion, and diligent monitoring of the patient's medical status and needs. Other themes related to end-of-life care issues include preparation, planning, and access. A table of quotes from participants is available from the corresponding author. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest important clinical implications for clinicians and other health professionals. These voices from the community remind us of the heterogeneity in needs and preferences and challenge us to listen and tailor communication to each patient and their families.

Black or African American↗
PubMed2003

Beyond ethnicity.

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Advance Directives↗