Rieko Muta1, Makiko Sanjo2, Mitsunori Miyashita3, Rieko Wakabayashi4, Etsuko Ando5, Tatsuya Morita6, Satoru Tsuneto7, Yasuo Shima8. 1. Department of Adult Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Bunri University of Hospitality, Saitama, Japan rieko-muta@bunri-c.ac.jp. 2. Department of Adult Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Toho University, Tokyo, Japan. 3. Department of Palliative Nursing, Health Sciences, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan. 4. Formerly of Department of Adult Nursing, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan. 5. Department of Adult and Elderly Health Care Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Kobe City College of Nursing, Hyogo, Japan. 6. Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Palliative Care Team and Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara General Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan. 7. Department of Palliative Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan. 8. Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Ibaraki, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is no standardized method by which bereavement care is offered by hospice/palliative care units (PCUs) in Japan. AIM: To evaluate bereavement services provided by hospice/PCUs and clarify demands for bereavement care. DESIGN: Qualitative design based on semistructured interviews and content analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four bereaved family members of patients with cancer who died in 9 PCUs in 4 regions. RESULTS: Memorial services were positively evaluated for the following variables: reunion and interaction with staff; the service's relaxed atmosphere; staff attentiveness; suitable location; suitable timing; program content; and interaction with other bereaved families. Memorial cards were positively evaluated regarding the level of concern shown by the staff and the personalized card. Respondents indicated their desire for a care system, a bereaved family care program, and information services.
BACKGROUND: There is no standardized method by which bereavement care is offered by hospice/palliative care units (PCUs) in Japan. AIM: To evaluate bereavement services provided by hospice/PCUs and clarify demands for bereavement care. DESIGN: Qualitative design based on semistructured interviews and content analysis. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Forty-four bereaved family members of patients with cancer who died in 9 PCUs in 4 regions. RESULTS: Memorial services were positively evaluated for the following variables: reunion and interaction with staff; the service's relaxed atmosphere; staff attentiveness; suitable location; suitable timing; program content; and interaction with other bereaved families. Memorial cards were positively evaluated regarding the level of concern shown by the staff and the personalized card. Respondents indicated their desire for a care system, a bereaved family care program, and information services.