Dive Brief:
- A study that was conducted by Yale researchers and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a large number of patients are listing non-nuclear family members as next of kin on healthcare forms.
- The researchers, who examined data from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) over a 10-year period, found that 6% of patients who received care at VHA facilities named other intimate contacts (e.g., "same-sex partner", "common law spouse") as their next of kin.
- For patients under the age of 65, the percentage was even higher.
Dive Insight:
"The finding is significant because it may be a reflection of how family structures in the United States are changing," said postdoctoral fellow Dr. Andrew B. Cohen, one of the study authors. "We may see the percentage grow further as people experience more diverse kinds of close relationships."
This growing trend could present a dilemma for hospitals, patients and those who are listed as next of kin. If the next of kin is not recognized by state law, courts or ethics committees may have to become involved in life-or-death decisions. "It introduces an uncertainty into physician decision making," Cohen said. "When physicians are uncertain about who can make decisions, care may be delayed or care may not be consistent with patient preferences."