The significance and possibility of introduction of a Japanese language version of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient: The pilot study in the two palliative care units

ABSTRACT

<b>Purpose</b> The Liverpool Care Pathway is a clinical path for the dying patient. In this study, a pilot study of a Japanese language version of the Liverpool Care Pathway Powered by Editorial Manager® and Preprint Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation (henceforth, “LCP”) was carried out in order to investigate the significance of using LCP and the possibility of its introduction. <b>Method</b> 1. LCP was used on inpatients in the palliative care wards, and the status of the achieved care goal was evaluated. 2. A questionnaire survey regarding the usefulness of LCP was conducted on the nursing staff of the study facility. <b>Results</b> The care goal indicated by LCP were achieved in 80% or more of the patients and families. The nursing staff members were asked to evaluate of LCP was evaluated the usefulness of LCP in confirming that the patient is in the dying phase, reviewing end-of-life care, continuous integrated care giving, and education for nurses with limited experience with end-of-life care. <b>Conclusion</b> The high degree of achievement of the care goal in LCP shows concordance between LCP and end-of-life care at the study facility, and shows that it is possible for LCP to be introduced as an index of clinical pathway for end-of-life care giving. In addition, the nurses' evaluations imply the significance of LCP in reinforcement and education with regard to end-of-life care giving.