Background. Rural communities employ their social capital to overcome the lack of resources for and access to end-of-life care. This study examined (1) the measurement quality of markers for social capital and end-of-life care and (2) the correlation between end-of-life care quality and social capital in rural communities. Methods. A convenience sample of patients and providers from 32 rural communities (N=96) were interviewed to assess their community’s end-of-life care and social capital. Thirteen items from previous studies were used to create the social capital marker. Four items were used to create the end-of-life care measure. Results. Strong interscale correlations and good scale dispersion characteristics were found for 9 or 13 social capital items. End-of-life care items showed good dispersion characteristics and good inter-rater reliability. Social capital was not related to end-of-life care. Interview transcript analysis revealed consistent relationships between end-of-life care and community trust, social networks and support, non-family connections, and church involvement. Conclusions. This study was an important first step in evaluating the relationship between social capital and end-of-life care. Though social capital and end-of-life care were not correlated, qualitative data suggested social capital was an important resource in rural communities. A community’s social fabric may influence the ability to overcome barriers such as limited resources and dispersed populations. Future research should improve measurement of social capital, examine differences between urban and rural settings, and help tailor end-of-life services to the social needs of the community.
Learning Objectives: 1. Understand how to test the measurement quality of social capital and end-of-life care measures. 2. Understand the relationship between social capital and end-of-life care. 3. Understand implications of social capital research for end-of-life care.
Keywords: End-of-Life Care, Rural Communities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.