Four Concepts that Distinguish Pediatric Oncology Care in Japan From that in the United States: Telling the Diagnosis, Length of Hospitalization, Home Care, and Support Systems

Abstract

The concepts of telling the diagnosis, length of hospitalization, home care, and support systems are described and compared in this article as they currently exist in pediatric oncology care in Japan and the United States. These four concepts were selected because they best convey differences in the care given in these two countries. These concepts are also integral to care goals related to improving the quality of life of pediatric oncology patients in both countries. Although quality of life and related concepts have been actively studied for the past two decades in the United States, these concepts have only recently begun to appear in the scientific literature in Japan. Continuing efforts to study related concepts may assist researchers and pediatric oncology patients and their families. A clear difference was found on these four concepts. Based on these comparisons and analysis, some strategies for developing well-being are described.