Abstract
An increase in the number of dialysis patients and their aging pose a problem in Japan.
Moreover, in connection with it, several authors report an increase in the number of inpatients and the burden placed on care workers.
From this background, QOL research has been developing in the field of Japanese dialysis treatment. SF-36 and KDQOL are worldwide health survey questionnaires and have already been introduced in Japan. Representative papers about QOL research among dialysis patients based on SF-36 and KDQOL are introduced.
On the other hand, since dialysis treatment is a kind of life-prolongation treatment, the withholding or withdrawal of dialysis treatment should be discussed ethically and carefully. Representative papers dealing with advance directives (Living Will) and withdrawal of dialysis are also introduced.
