The Current Status of Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Cancer in Nishinomiya City

It is very important for advanced cancer patients who receive palliative care to select appropriate places to stay during the end-of-life period. We reviewed the cases of 147 patients who were referred to palliative care services from our hospital. Forty-four patients(30%)were referred to palliative care facilities, and 103 patients(70%)received palliative care in their homes. Fifty-two patients(47%)died at a palliative care facility, 41(37%)died at home, and 18(16%)died at our hospital. The proportion of patients who died at home was three times the number of people who wanted to die at home, according to a Japan National questionnaire. To increase cooperation between regional hospitalsand home palliative care services, we attended meetings and conferences conducted by the Nishinomiya City Medical Association. As a result of these activities, we think that the number of patients who die at home has increased.