Qualitative Analysis of Opinions on the Decisions Made by Community-dwelling Elderly People regarding Their Medical Treatment and Care in the End-of-life

Abstract

Introduction: The objective of this study was to identify the opinions of community-dwelling elderly people on medical treatment and care choices during the end-of-life period.

Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to elderly people who participated in nursing care prevention projects implemented by two municipalities in the Kanto region. Analysis of the contents included in the free-description section of the questionnaire was conducted using a qualitative coding procedure.

Results: Analysis of 135 responses in the free-description section of the questionnaire led to the development of the following four final categories: 1. end-of-life is an extension of daily life; 2. end-of-life does not belong solely to oneself; 3. consideration of loved ones; and 4. the desire to determine one's own end.

Conclusion: This study identified the following: community-dwelling elderly people have a tangible feeling that "end-of-life is an extension of daily life." They experience conflicting feelings of "desire to determine their own end" and "end-of-life does not belong solely to themselves," they have thoughts that include "consideration of loved ones," which take the form of concern that, based on their experience, they will be a burden on their family and those around them.