Advance Care Planning

Female patients were substantially less likely to have do-resuscitate or ICU transfer orders recorded at discharge compared to male patients. The lower rate of life-sustaining treatment orders for female patients cannot be explained by their lower comorbidity burden alone. Societal norms that encourage women to avoid placing burdens on others may reduce demand for maximal care from female patients and their families. Implicit physician bias may influence how treatment options are communicated and recommended during advance care planning discussions, contributing to sex disparities in life-sustaining orders.