Obstacles to Continued Home Care for Terminal Cancer Patients from Perspective of Visiting Nurse

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to clarify visiting nurses’ awareness of obstacles to continued home care for terminal cancer patients.

Method : Questionnaires on the 90 potential obstacles grouped into 12 domains were conducted for full-time visiting nurses who worked for 24-hour home nursing stations in the Kanto region, and the percentage of nurses who recognized each of the potential obstacles to be an actual obstacle was calculated.

Result : Obstacles identified as actual obstacles by high percentages of the nurses included a lack of understanding of home care for terminal cancer patients by physicians and care managers, problems in the home nursing systems, and the financial burden on patients and their families. The results of the study indicated that the following were important for continued home care for terminal cancer patients.

Discussion : Physicians, care managers, and visiting nurses must understand the characteristics of home care for terminal cancer patients and improve knowledge and skills in alleviating symptoms. Moreover,visiting nurses must coordinate closely with physicians and care managers. The financial burden on patients and their families must be eased.