1.Bone marrow donors: experience among adolescents and young adults
Kotomi SATO ; Masahiro HARAGUCHI
Journal of Rural Medicine 2025;20(4):302-310
Objective: Recent treatment advancements have improved the survival rates of patients with hematological malignancies, making hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) a key curative option. However, despite ongoing awareness efforts, the number of bone marrow donor registrations has not significantly increased over time, possibly because of the impact of recent infectious disease outbreaks. This may affect patients requiring allogeneic HSCT. This study explored the experiences of adolescent and young adult (AYA) bone marrow donors.Patient and Methods: Using a qualitative descriptive research design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with six AYA individuals who had experience as bone marrow donors. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee (022-03), and no conflicts of interest were disclosed.Results: Seven categories and 23 subcategories were identified in this analysis. Participants reported a strong sense of duty as donors, but faced challenges such as family opposition, lack of understanding from employers, and concerns about the impact on work and family life. Despite these difficulties, donors often experienced personal growth and fulfillment through donation.Conclusion: Nurses should recognize AYA bone marrow donors as a population that requires support, and consider strategies to increase the understanding and registration among this crucial demographic group.
2.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.


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