Multi-center Preliminary Survey as Post-mortem Care

Abstract

Purpose: In Japanese hospitals, it is customary for medical staff to offer condolences to patients who have died before they are discharged. We conducted a preliminary survey to learn the actual status of sending off patients nationwide, we investigated the process from confirmation of death to discharge from the hospital. Methods: An Internet-based questionnaire survey was conducted on medical staff in hospitals nationwide. Results: The number of accesses was 345, and the number of valid responses was 101. Deaths were confirmed by the doctor on duty at night or on holidays in 87% of all hospitals. The carrier came to the patient’s room in 77%. Ceremonies were performed in 13%. The discharge route was the main entrance (8%), back entrance (82%), emergency exit (5%), and dedicated exit (5%). The percentage of positive and negative opinions about holding a ceremony was 23% and 19%. Discussion: A small number (13%) of hospitals offered ceremonies at the time of the send-off.