Abstract
Objective : In this study we attempted to analyze the role of hospice and palliative care in community services in order to improve home hospice care in the community.
Sample : We utilized the book of Japanese hospice and palliative information committee membership lists. 218 people from 109 facilities comprised the sample population, which consisted of one head of facility (doctor) and one nurse from each facility.
Methods : Questionnaires were mailed without requesting names during the period of November to December, 1999.
Results : 104 (47.7%) answered out of 218. 77 (74%) answered appropriately. The types of facilities were : 61.0% provide palliative care only, 19.5% provide hospice and palliative care, and 13.0 % provide independent hospice care. Although half of the facilities provide home hospice care, < the home hospice patients who died at home was below 5 patients (77.1% of the answering facilities that provide home hospice care).> The vast majority of hospice patients still die in the facilities and not at home. The highest home care hospice functions preformed by the facilities were providing short stays for cancer patients, and education for volunteers. Day care, medical equipment rental, and public health education were not preformed by all the facilities. The facility staff expressed a desire to participate in volunteer education, nursing education for nurses who work in private physicians' offices, home health agencies and public health education. Physicians showed a strong interest in education for home health agencies.
Conclusion : Although half of the hospice and palliative care facilities provide homecare hospice services, only a small number of patients die at home. Doctors and nurses at hospice and palliative facility showed a strong interest in contributing to community services related to home hospice care.
