Patients’ Perceptions of Palliation in Japan

Summary

In 1996, a multicenter collaborative study of the home cancer care was conducted thoughout Japan. As of March 31, 1997, a total of 208 home care cancer patients had been included in this study. In almost all cases, the objective was palliative care. This can be interpreted as meaning that the patient group who desired home care or were being given home care had made clear their desire for palliation. The rate of notification of the true disease diagnosis was a high 60% in the case of home care cancer patients. In addition, the rate of notification was significantly higher 1) in the younger patient group than in the older patient group, 2) in the patient group with a spouse than without a spouse, 3) in the patient group which received chemotherapy , 4) in the patient group which desired to continue home care. On the other hand , the patient’s desire to continue home care at the time of starting home care showed correlations with 1) the relationship between the patient and the medical care personnel, 2) the patient’s anxiety, and 3) the family’s desire to continue home care. After 8 weeks of home care, significant correlations were found between patient’s desire to continue home care and 1) the patient’s satisfaction, 2) the relationship between the patient and the family, 3) the family’s satisfaction, 4) the family’s desire to continue home care. It is concluded that telling the truth improved patient’s satisfaction in palliative care.