Abstract OP-15 Table 1

Sample characteristics†(n=576)

CharacteristicNo. (%)
Age (Years)
<65 102 (18)
≥65 474 (82)
Median (IQR) 78 (69, 85)
Sex
Female 265 (46)
Male 311 (54)
Mortality rate (6 months post-referral)
Deceased 242 (42)
Alive 334 (58)
Geography
City 440 (75)
Regional 120 (21)
Remote 16 (2.8)
Relationship Status
Never Married 40 (7)
Partnered 371 (64)
Separated 165 (29)
Country of Birth
Mainly English-speaking regions 463 (80)
Non-English speaking regions 113 (20)
Primary Language
English 521 (95)
Other 55 (5)
Religion
Undocumented 219 (38)
Christian 340 (59)
Other 17 (3)
Pre-referral Hospitalisation (within 90 days)
No 130 (23)
Yes 446 (77)
Primary Diagnosis
Malignant 409 (71)
Non-Malignany 167 (29)
Referral Source
Primary Care 211 (37)
Hospital 365 (63)
Parenthood Status
Non-Parent 47 (8)
Parent 526 (92)
Living Arrangement
Alone 105 (17)
With Others 471 (83)
Palliative Care Phase
Stable 181 (31)
Unstable 44 (8)
Deteriorating 341 (59)
Terminal 10 (2)
AKPS§
<50 156 (27)
≥50 420 (73)
Median (IQR) 60 (40, 70)
RUG-ADL
<14 439 (76)
≥14 137 (24)
Median (IQR) 5 (4, 13)
  • Reported as frequency (percentage) for categorical variables, and median and IQR (Interquartile range) for continuous variables.

  • Remoteness was determined by correlating postcode with ‘Australian Remoteness Classification Guide’ published by ABS.

  • §AKPS <50 was used as a cut-off point as it correlates with an ECOG performance status score of 3, which indicates poor suitability for systemic therapy and corresponds to a median survival of approximately 3 months for patients with advanced cancer.