Hospice care in Japan

Abstract

Hospice care was introduced in Japan in the 1970s. There are currently an estimated 21 programs, which are primarily hospital-based. This paper provides an overview of the history, current state, and future trends of hospice care in Japan. Four programs are described, including staffing information, length of stay, and prognoses of patients. Hospice care in Japan is compared to hospice care in the United States and major differences are described. Lastly, the concept of “truth telling” is explored within the context of the Japanese culture. The discussion is based on a review of the literature and a mailed survey completed by 16 Japanese hospice programs during July 1992. The paper is in four sections: • An overview of Japan. • The history, current state, and future trends of hospice care in Japan. • The major differences between hospice care in Japan and the United States. • An exploration of “truth telling” within the context of the Japanese culture.