Cross-cultural Study about Cancer and Palliative Care in the Okinawa, Tohoku, and Tokyo Metropolitan Area

Akemi Naito; Tatsuya Morita; Kohei Kamiya; Naoki Suzuki; Keita Tagami; Tokiwa Motonari; Hidenori Takahashi; Erika Nakanishi; Nobuhisa Nakajima

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Cross-cultural Study about Cancer and Palliative Care in the Okinawa, Tohoku, and Tokyo Metropolitan Area

VernacularTitle:がん医療・緩和ケアにおいて，医師の経験する地域差に関する調査─沖縄・東北・首都圏の比較─
Author: Akemi NAITO ¹ ; Tatsuya MORITA ² ; Kohei KAMIYA ³ ; Naoki SUZUKI ⁴ ; Keita TAGAMI ⁵ ; Tokiwa MOTONARI ⁶ ; Hidenori TAKAHASHI ⁷ ; Erika NAKANISHI ⁸ ; Nobuhisa NAKAJIMA ⁹
Author Information

1. Department of Palliative Care, Miyazaki Medical Association Hospital
2. Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Palliative Care Team, and Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital
3. MY wells Community Care Workshop, Inc.
4. Department of Medical Oncology, Yamagata University Hospital
5. Department of Palliative Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
6. Department of Breast Surgery, Keiai Medical Corporation Nakagami Hospital
7. Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgical Oncology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
8. Department of Community Medicine and International Medicine, University of the Ryukyus Hospital
9. Department of Palliative Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine
Keywords: cancer/palliative care; regional differences; Tohoku; Okinawa
From:Palliative Care Research 2021;16(3):255-260
CountryJapan
Language:Japanese
Abstract: Background: Consideration of cultural aspects is important in medical care. We explored regional differences in cancer and palliative care among Okinawa, Tohoku, and Tokyo metropolitan area. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey of physicians involved in cancer medicine from September to November 2020. A total of 11 items related to physician experiences were rated using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Results: Responses were received from 553 physicians (187 in Okinawa, 219 in Tohoku, 147 in the Tokyo metropolitan area). In Okinawa, “When patients die, it is important that all family members are present at the last moment,” “Patients/family members primarily consult the elders of the family about the medical treatments,” “Family members hope the patients die at home, because the soul will not return when they die at the hospital,” “Patients/family members get advice from religious advisors about the medical treatments,” and “Family members wish to take the patient home when he/she is about to die and to confirm death at home” were significantly more frequently observed. In Tohoku, “Patients wish to be hospitalized at a specific season” was significantly more frequently reported. In Tohoku and Okinawa, “Patients hide cancer from neighbors and relatives” and “Elderly patients do not want treatment, because they cover the living expenses and education expenses for their children and grandchildren.” were significantly more frequently experienced. Conclusion: There are regional differences in cancer and palliative care in Japan. Being sensitive to the culture of the region is needed.