TABLE 4.
MULTIPLE VARIABLE ANALYSIS SHOWING ADJUSTED ASSOCIATION BETWEEN OPTIMISTIC EXPECTATIONS BY SURROGATES AND DURATION OF ICU TREATMENT AT THE END OF LIFE
| Outcome of regression model | Regression Coefficient for Surrogates with Optimistic Prognostic Expectations* (95% CI) |
Change from the Meana,b (% change) |
p |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICU length of stay | 0.44 (0.05– 0.83)d | +7.7 days | 0.027 |
| Length of mechanical ventilation | 0.30 (-0.10–0.71)c | +5.4 days | 0.139 |
| Time to withdrawal of life support | 0.61 (0.16–1.07)e | +6.5 days | 0.009 |
Optimistic prognostic expectations by surrogates is defined as when the surrogate’s prediction of the chance of hospital survival is at least 20% greater than the physician’s.
Among the patients who died, the mean (median) ICU length of stay is=13.9 days (8 days), the mean (median) length of mechanical ventilation is=15.1 days (8 days), and the mean (median) time to withdrawal of life support is 14.5 days (8 days).
The % change from the mean is computed by exponentiating the coefficient (beta) from the regression with log-transformed outcome
Adjusted for the following factors: the patient’s APACHE II score on the fifth day on mechanical ventilation (the same day prognostic estimates were taken), and surrogate’s relationship to the patient
Adjusted for the following factors: the patient’s APACHE II score on the fifth day on mechanical ventilation (the same day prognostic estimates were taken), surrogate’s relationship to the patient, and surrogate’s race (non-Hispanic black vs. other)
Adjusted for the following factors: the patient’s age and APACHE II score on the fifth day on mechanical ventilation (the same day prognostic estimates were taken)
Definition of abbreviations: ICU = intensive care unit; APACHE II = Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II.