A survey of home care provided by hospitals and clinics in an urban area of Japan

ABSTRACT

<b>Objective：</b>The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of home care provided by hospitals and clinics in Kobe City. <b>Methods：</b>In July 2013 a survey was mailed to a cross-section of all clinics and hospitals in Kobe City.<b> Results：</b>Questionnaires were sent to 1,589 clinics and hospitals and 899（57％）responded. Regular and urgent home visits by doctors were provided by 50％ and 65％ of respondents, respectively. End-of-life care for dying patients at home and in nursing homes was provided by 31％ and 18％ of respondents, respectively. The average time spent on home visits was 2.3±1.7 days per week. Care for cancer patients, participation in national palliative care lectures, and holding a discussion at the admitting hospital before discharge for home care, were performed by 23％, 7.0％, and 6.9％ of respondents, respectively. <b>Conclusion：</b>The majority of hospitals and clinics in Kobe City provided home care.