Table 1.

Key Characteristics and Differences between the Focus Groups

Characteristic	Non-Hispanic White Groups University Hospital n=36	African-American Groups Municipal Hospital n=34
Demographic
Percent of participants who completed demographic questionnaire	90	50
Mean age (years)	67	60
Highest average education	College	High school
Annual mean income	$50,000	(insufficient reporting)
Key findings
Structure of communication
Preference for including family members in discussions	Exclusive—limited to “closest” members	Inclusive—extending to friends
Preference for including professionals in discussions	Specialist consultation	Spiritual assistance
	Include social workers and nurses	Include social workers and nurses
Content of communication	Quality of life, medical options, costs, symptoms	Spiritual issues
	Advance directives	Advance directives
Underlying values	Trust in providers	Lack of trust in providers
	Autonomy	Autonomy
	Faith in doctor	Faith in God, prayer heals
	Quality of life determines need for care	Miracles are possible, protect life at all cost