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Organization and patients' perception of palliative care: a crosscultural comparison

Assistant, Department of Neurology, Klinikum Großhadern, Munich

Akira Akabayashi

School of International Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo

Carol Reese

Vice-chairman, FHI Health Systems, Dallas, Texas

Gen Ohi

School of International Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo

Hans-Martin Sass

Institute of Philosophy, Ruhr University Bochum and Senior Research Scholar, Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington

The hospice model of care for patients with advanced diseases exists in almost all industrialized countries. To date, there have been no international or crosscultural comparisons of the organization and patient outcomes associated with hospice services in different parts of the world. This survey evaluated 159 patients in the USA, Germany and Japan. There were differences between countries in the time of first contact, who recommended palliative care first, the underlying diagnoses, the location of patients, and how consent for hospice care was obtained. Across all countries, there were similar levels of comfort and satisfaction with care. We conclude that the hospice philosophy addresses the basic needs of dying patients which are independent of cultural background, but may be adapted to very different cultures.

Key Words: crosscultural comparison • informed consent • hospice care • philosophy • medical

Palliative Medicine, Vol. 11, No. 5, 351-357 (1997)
DOI: 10.1177/026921639701100504


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