Contrasting patient, family, provider, and societal goals at the end of life complicate decision making and induce variability of care after trauma.

Background: End-of-life (EoL) decision making during critical illness and injury is important in facilitating compassionate care that is congruent with patient, family, and societal expectations. Herein, we evaluate factors that may effect and induce variability in practitioner EoL decision making, particularly years in practice, use of advance directives (ADs), and cost.

Methods: An anonymous, online survey was offered to all active members of the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (n = 1,359) in June 2012.