Survey of directors of long-term care facilities on opinions about end-of-life care and director education
- VernacularTitle:高齢者介護施設における終末期ケアの実施および施設長向け教育に関する課題
- Author:
Yoshihisa HIRAKAWA
;
Kazumasa UEMURA
;
Masafumi KUZUYA
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
long-term care facilities;
end-of-life care;
death;
staff;
education
- From:Medical Education
2008;39(4):245-250
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
AIM: gradual shift, from hospitals to long-term care facilities, in where elderly people spend their last years is expected in Japan.Therefore, we performed a questionnaire survey to assess the opinions of directors of long-term care facilities about end-of-life care and director education.
METHODS: In December 2006, data were collected through mailed, anonymous, and self-administered questionnaires. The subjects of this study were managing directors of 214 long-term care facilities in Nagoya City. Our questionnaire survey focused on the directors' attitudes about the following end-of-life issues: 1) requirements for implementing progressive policies for end-of-life care, and 2) educational training for end-of-life care. For data analysis, we divided the facilities into three groups: geriatric hospitals, geriatric health services facilities, and nursing homes.
RESULTS: Directors of 82 facilities returned completed questionnaires (response rate, 38.3%). They regarded staff education concerning end-of-life care, outside medical support, private rooms for end-of-life care, and 24-hour availability of physicians or nurse as requirements for quality end-of-life care at long-term care facilities. Nursing-home directors felt more strongly about the need for 24-hour medical services for end-of-life care than did directors of other types of facilities.Also, most directors wanted to receive additional training about clients' decision-making processes, communi-cation skills, and legal issues related to end-of-life care.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that staff education concerning end-of-life care and 24-hour medical services are required for quality end-of-life care at long-term care facilities for the elderly.
