J Natl Med Assoc
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To determine whether any associations exist between cultural (racial/ethnic, spiritual/religious) competence and end-of-life treatment decisions in hospitalized patients and the potential impact of those associations on hospitalists' provision of care. ⋯ End-of-life care may present unique challenges and opportunities in culturally discordant hospitalist-patient relationships. Culturally competent health care in an increasingly diverse population requires awareness of the importance of culture, particularly spirituality/religion and race/ethnicity, in the care of hospitalized patients at the end of life.