Survey on the Diagnosis of Senility as the Cause of Death in Home Medical Care

Abstract

Introduction: Although the number of deaths following a diagnosis of senility is increasing in Japan, the criteria of senility are unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate methods to diagnose senility in home medical care.

Methods: We mailed questionnaires to 908 members of the Japan Network of Home Care-Supporting Clinics.

Results: In total, 535 members (58.9%) responded. Responses of 501 members who selected senility as the cause of death were analyzed. Most doctors considered "continuous care of the patient", "the patient's ADL and gradual decline in oral intake", and "the absence of other critical diseases" to be important when diagnosing senility. The items affecting a diagnosis of senility were "the family's understanding and opinions", "other diseases being medically excluded", and "contribution to the patient's QOL".

Conclusion: In home medical care, many doctors consider continuity of care, gradual decline, and the absence of other critical diseases to be important when diagnosing senility. Non-medical aspects, such as the family's opinions and patient's QOL, affected the diagnosis.