[Promotion to home-based care from acute phase hospital - the problems and the role of community cooperation].

It has been emphasized that problems with the system and a lack of resources for home-based care were ones to blame for preventing a promotion of home-based care. However, the real big problems appear to be laid on the unconsciousness and lack of knowledge of home-based care by acute phase hospital, functionality of community cooperation and lack of communication with patients. We examined the actual condition of home-based care by questionnaires to the doctors who took a palliative care study session. The response rate was 73.3%(93/127). It appeared that the doctors of acute phase hospital realized and expressed the necessity of home based care and their desire to participate. However, they are deficient in experiences and trainings. In the terminal care period, the patient and family thought that a medical treatment of intravenous drip and infusion was important, though the doctor would not regard such treatment was suitable to the patient. In reality, the patient gets what he wants. With regard to consulting of a future discharge plan, it is desirable to have it done as quickly as possible. However, there were many instances where the decision was made at the last moments: when the treatment was reached at the limit, and when to offer a support to leave the hospital. Therefore, we should strive for a fulfillment of home based care study, training and resources. Furthermore, functional community cooperation is essential for a promotion of home based care.