[Palliative care in Japan--current status and future]

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care Medicine
• Healthcare Systems Research
• Gerontology

Context:

• Palliative care services in Japan face significant challenges impacting patient and family support.
• Existing healthcare structures require optimization to meet the growing needs for end-of-life care.
• A comprehensive review of the current landscape is essential for strategic improvement.

Purpose:

• To identify and analyze the primary obstacles hindering effective palliative care delivery in Japan.
• To propose actionable strategies for enhancing the quality and accessibility of specialized palliative care.
• To outline recommendations for future development in Japanese palliative care.

Summary:

• The review identifies challenges including respecting patient individuality, ensuring early referrals to specialized palliative care, and improving treatment availability.
• It also addresses the need for quality control in palliative care systems, establishment of regional programs, and widespread education.
• Furthermore, the organization of a multicenter research network is proposed to advance palliative care research.

Impact:

• Recommendations aim to foster a more patient- and family-centered approach to palliative care.
• Improvements in service delivery and system organization are expected to enhance the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
• The proposed strategies can guide policy development and clinical practice improvements in Japan's palliative care sector.