2017 Volume 57 Issue 2 Pages 152-159
Home care medicine entails a lesser degree of medical treatment than can be provided in hospital settings. Despite this difference, many patients who receive such services find a high level of satisfaction in remaining at home at the end of their lives. Through examining such trends, I argue that a home setting works effectively in terms of enhancing the resilience of these patients. The key factor that determines the resilience is total life support for the patients and their families as carers. In this process, it is particularly important that the patients and their families are supported to make informed decisions over their choice of location for palliative care. In addition, cooperation between the hospital and clinic—including the ‘Hospital Triangle’ —is also important when it comes to responding to the patient’s wishes. I conclude that psychiatrists can play a significant role in home care medicine, as they can treat both the physical and mental conditions of patients.
