Cultural and religious influences on shared decision-making in treatment escalation planning with older adults in the acute setting: a qualitative secondary analysis of interview studies seeking clinician and patient perspectives

Clinicians and patients approached the role of culture in treatment escalation discussions from distinct positions. Clinicians drew on shared professional norms and considered different cultural attitudes potentially challenging to notions of clinical benefit and individual autonomy. Patients described an approach centred on family, prior healthcare experiences and faith. Recognising these differing priorities helps identify potential challenges during treatment escalation planning and areas for enhancing current shared decision-making guidance to better support culturally sensitive care.