Abstract
The Palliative Care Unit (PCU) of Matsudo Byoin National Sanatorium opened in October 1987. This PCU which is not based on any specific religious background aims at palliating cancer patients' pain and supporting them to be comfortable and have a qualified human life with their family members. This PCU is the first PCU set up by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
We analyzed the data of the PCU inpatients from October 1987 to September 1988. There were 71 patients, 54 men and 17 women. (1) The route of admission to the PCU 21 patients were transferred from other wards into the PCU. 18 patients entered into the PCU after being outpatients. 32 patients entered the PCU directly from their home or other hospitals. (2) Patient information about diagnosis and prognosis:27 patients were informed of their diagnosis and prognosis. 42 patients were not informed, and for 2 patients, their information could not be assessed. (3) The inpatients' religious background:50 patients didn't have any specific religious background, 10 patients were Buddhists. 1 patient was Christian. 5 patients belonged to recently founded religions. For 5 patients, their religions were unknown.
In this PCU, an appropriate medication of analgesics make the physical pain lesser and the patients' dignities remain until the time of their death. We belive that it is unneces-sary for palliative care to have a specific religious background. Palliative Care Units appears to be the best system for the terminal stage of cancer patients
