[The Current Status of Palliative Care for Patients with Advanced Cancer in Nishinomiya City].

It is very important for advanced cancer patients who receive palliative care to select appropriate places to stay during the end-of-life period. We reviewed the cases of 147 patients who were referred to palliative care services from our hospital. Forty-four patients(30%)were referred to palliative care facilities, and 103 patients(70%)received palliative care in their homes. Fifty-two patients(47%)died at a palliative care facility, 41(37%)died at home, and 18(16%)died at our hospital. The proportion of patients who died at home was three times the number of people who wanted to die at home, according to a Japan National questionnaire. To increase cooperation between regional hospitals and home palliative care services, we attended meetings and conferences conducted by the Nishinomiya City Medical Association. As a result of these activities, we think that the number of patients who die at home has increased.