A Content Analysis of Death Conferences for Patients Who Died in a Palliative Care Unit of Cancer Specialist Hospital

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To clarify the content of death conferences. Methods: 60 death conferences held in the palliative care unit of the National Cancer Center Hospital East between May 2012 and November 2014 were analyzed in a retrospective study. Medical records and notes from the time of the meeting were used. Results: 170 units of data were abstracted from the death conferences held during the studied period. These data were categorized into five groups 1. supporting family members as subjects of care, 2. understanding and cherishing patient’s thoughts, 3. reducing symptoms and relieving pain, 4. realizing the importance of communication between medical personnel, and 5. becoming anxious due to interaction with patients. Conclusion: The results suggest that the death conference is a useful opportunity to look back on support from various perspectives and directions.