1.Current home palliative care for terminally ill cancer patients in Japan
Kotaro Hashimoto ; Kazuki Sato ; Junko Uchiumi ; Akira Demizu ; Hajime Fujimoto ; Masatoshi Morii ; Kotomi Sasaki ; Mitsunori Miyashita ; Masao Suzuki
Palliative Care Research 2015;10(1):153-161
Purpose:This study investigated the current state of medical care and home palliative care for terminally ill cancer patients in Japan. Methods:We conducted a retrospective questionnaire study of 352 cancer patients who received home palliative care from 6 specialized home care clinics and discontinued home care or died from January to June in 2012. Results:The questionnaire was answered by 290 patients〔165 men(57%), mean age:72±13 years〕who started home palliative care after completing cancer treatment. Home visits from nurses were used by 238 patients(98%)and 95 patients(39%)used home care workers. Within a month before discontinuation of home care or death, 72 patients(30%)received fluid therapy and 127 patients(52%)received strong opioids. The outcome of home palliative care was death at home in 242 patients(83%)and discontinuation of home care in 48 patients(17%). The reason for discontinuation was family physical and mental problems or physical problems of the patient. Conclusion:This study demonstrated the current state of home palliative care by specialized home care clinics.