Abstract
AimThe aim of our study was to investigate factors associated with burnout of nurses and care workers in nursing homes and geriatric hospitals in Japan. The use of Buddhist priests, the major religion in Japan, was also explored.MethodsQuestionnaires for nurses and care workers were sent to 10 care facilities. The survey questions included basic demographic information, the Japanese Burnout Index and the Japanese version of the Frommelt Attitude Toward Care Of Dying Scale Form B. They also asked questions about use of Buddhist priests for tasks such as helping to manage the anxiety or distress of patients, families, and staff, or providing sutra chanting.ResultsIn total, 323 questionnaires were returned, of which 260 were used for analysis. Only 18 (6.9%) answered that they had any religious beliefs, which was relatively low compared to 27% from governmental survey data. In total, however, 71% expressed a need for Buddhist priests to help with anxiety or distress among patients. A positive attitude towards providing end-of-life care was a protective factor against depersonalization. It was, however, also related to lower feelings of personal accomplishment.ConclusionCare homes and geriatric hospitals may want to consider calling more on religious resources as a support for staff and patients.
Highlights
27.1 percent of Japan’s population is over 65 years old [1], the highest level in the world
A positive attitude towards providing end-of-life care was a protective factor against depersonalization
Care homes and geriatric hospitals may want to consider calling more on religious resources as a support for staff and patients
Summary
27.1 percent of Japan’s population is over 65 years old [1], the highest level in the world This percentage is predicted to continue to grow [2], with projections suggesting that it will reach a steady state of 40% in the year 2055. The Japanese government has set up special payments for end-of-life care in nursing homes, and the rate of deaths in nursing homes has risen from 36% in 2010 to 50% in 2013 [6] Those who care for older people in long-term care facilities may have a new and unfamiliar role in providing end-of-life care
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