Table 2.
Variables Included in the Analyses: Descriptive Statistics (N = 313)
| Variables | Definition | Mean (SD) |
| Dependent variables | ||
| EOL process measures | ||
| Assessment | Range 1–5: 1 = worst score, 5 = best score | 3.70 (0.61) |
| Delivery | Range 1–5: 1 = worst score, 5 = best score | 3.84 (0.68) |
| Communication and coordination among providers | Range 1–5: 1 = worst score, 5 = best score | 3.76 (0.63) |
| Communication with residents and families | Range 1–5: 1 = worst score, 5 = best score | 3.61 (0.62) |
| Independent variables | ||
| Organization of EOL care | No. policies present; range 0–1 (none to all) | |
| Administrative policy | Total: 8 policies | 0.65 (0.42) |
| Clinical policies or practices | Total: 11 policies | 0.84 (0.21) |
| Quality monitoring | Total: 5 policies | 0.66 (0.28) |
| Staff education | Total: 13 policies | 0.69 (0.30) |
| EOL resources | ||
| Hospice use intensity | Range 1–5: 1 = least intense, 5 = most intense | 3.72 (1.14) |
| Hospice contracts | Presence of contracts with hospice agencies | 84.74% |
| Advance care planning | Range 1–5: 1 = worst, 5 = best | 4.04 (0.76) |
| Physicians, NPs, PAsa | Total adjusted for bed size and occupancy | 0.04 (0.05) |
| RN staffing ratio for EOL support | Range 1–5: 1 = least, 5 = most sufficient | 3.37 (1.23) |
| CNA staffing ratio for EOL support | Range 1–5: 1 = least, 5 = most sufficient | 3.31 (1.15) |
| Facility characteristics | ||
| Facility ownershipa | Profit versus nonprofit status | 56.59% |
| Religious affiliation | Religiously affiliated facility | 23.64% |
Notes: EOL = end of life; CNA = certified nurse aide, NP = nurse practitioner; PA = physician assistant, RN = registered nurse.
a
Source: Online Survey Certification and Reporting System. All other variables are from the EOL care process survey (authors’ primary data).