Psychological Support System for Patients and Families in Palliative Care Wards

Abstract

The length of stay of palliative care patients has been shortened by promoting home care and community-based integrated care. What kind of role can we medical professionals play in supporting patients and families in diverse psychosocial stress situations with less time contacted them? We also introduce the approach of psychology support to patients and families in palliative care unit of our hospital, and look back on the role of medical institutions in the community. The opportunity when patients and families could talk increased by our support system such as the setting of consultation service, multidisciplinary cooperation, regional cooperation, and grief care. In addition, by providing an opportunity to learn and discuss psychological support and to understand the needs of patients and families, we were led to the improvement of knowledge and technology related to the support of the entire ward. Furthermore, the regular interaction with the community has made it possible to offer a wide range of psychological care.