Abstract
There are many deaths occurring among the aged population in Japan. Geriatric Health Service Facilities (GHSFs) are highlighted as some of the chosen facilities designated as sites of death. The aim of our study was to clarify the characteristics and related factors, including physical signs first noticed by staff at the end-of-life period, in GHSFs designated as sites of death, using a nationwide survey in Japan. We administered a questionnaire to 3971 GHSFs in Japan. Eligible responses for the study were obtained from 854 GHSFs. We found that GHSFs designated as sites of death were more likely to have basic policies and documented preferences regarding end-of-life care. We also found that staff members in GHSFs designated as sites of death were less likely to first notice physical signs of pain. We found that GHSFs designated as sites of death tended to identify earlier symptoms, such as reduced oral intake and less vigor. Our results would enable elderly persons, their families, and staff in GHSFs to prepare for the elderly’s death more efficiently though earlier identification of the end-of-life period. We hope that GHSFs have an important role to play in end-of-life care provision to elderly persons in Japan, through the strengthening of these intermediate facilities.
Highlights
There are many deaths occurring among the elderly population in Japan
Both basic policies on end-of-life care and documented preferences in the form of a living will were more common in Geriatric Health Service Facilities (GHSFs) designated as sites of death
We found that GHSFs designated as sites of death were more likely to have basic policies and documented preferences regarding end-of-life care than those not designated
Summary
There are many deaths occurring among the elderly population in Japan. The death rate is estimated to reach 1.67 million people per year in 2040 [1]. The long-term care insurance system gives those in need of long-term care due to a disease caused by an old age or for other reasons necessary services in a comprehensive and uniform way so that they can lead an independent life as much as possible. It is the user-oriented system where you can use the service you choose yourself. Persons have death under nursing care for long time. Persons receiving facilities services can have possibilities to face death in facilities, not in hospitals. Those facilities will be utilized as the places with sites of death in near future
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
