Current Status and Tasks of Bereavement Services in Japanese Hospice and Palliative Care Units: Comparison of Survey Data in 2002 and 2012

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The purposes of this study are to assess the prevalence and tasks of bereavement services in Japanese hospices/PCUs and to explore these changes through comparison of survey data in 2002 and 2012. Methods: A postal survey of all government-approved hospice and care units in Japan was conducted in 2012. Two hundred twenty-seven questionnaires were dispatched, of which 156 were retuned (response rate, 68.7%). Results: The results of 2012 survey showed that 78% of respondents sent memorial cards, and 73% provided memorial services. The ratios of hospices/PCUs offering diverse bereavement serveces in general decreased over the last decade. “Organizational support” was perceived by 71% of respondents as one of the tasks of bereavement services in 2012 survey. The responses of “caregiver training” and “research on the demands of bereaved individuals” as perceived tasks were declined significantly over the past decade from 2002. Conclusion: These findings in 2012 survey revealed present status of bereavement services in Japanese hospices/PCUs, and suggested that some perceived tasks has been slightly dealt with through comparison with results of 2002 survey.