Progressive Development and Enhancement of Palliative Care Services in Japan: Nationwide Surveys of Designated Cancer Care Hospitals for Three Consecutive Years

• Published in: Journal of pain and symptom management 2014-09, Vol.48 (3), p.364-373
• Main Authors: Maeda, Isseki, MD, PhD, Tsuneto, Satoru, MD, PhD, Miyashita, Mitsunori, RN, PhD, Morita, Tatsuya, MD, Umeda, Megumi, RN, PHN, MSN, OCNS, Motoyama, Miwa, MD, Kosako, Fumie, RN, OCNS, Hama, Yoshihisa, MD, Kizawa, Yoshiyuki, MD, Sasahara, Tomoyo, RN, PhD, Eguchi, Kenji, MD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anesthesia & Perioperative Care; Cancer Care Facilities - legislation & jurisprudence; Cancer Care Facilities - manpower; designated cancer care hospital; Education, Professional; Humans; Japan; nationwide survey; Pain Medicine; Palliative Care - legislation & jurisprudence; Palliative Care - manpower; Palliative Care - methods; palliative care education; Palliative care services; Patient Care Team; regional medical cooperation; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0885-3924; 1873-6513
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2013.09.017

Abstract Context Policymaking plays an important role in national palliative care services. The Japanese Cancer Control Act was implemented in 2006. Objectives To evaluate changes in the structure and processes of palliative care services after implementation of the Cancer Control Act. Methods We conducted annual nationwide surveys in designated cancer care hospitals (DCCHs, n  = 349) between 2008 and 2010. The 65-item questionnaire was divided into seven domains: institutional framework, information to patient and family, practice of palliative care, activities of the palliative care teams (PCTs), members of PCTs, regional medical cooperation, and education. Increasing trends were tested using generalized estimating equation models. Results The response rates were ≥99%. All domains showed an increasing trend ( P