Development and Feasibility of the Japanese language version Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient－Home

ABSTRACT

<b>Background:</b> The aim of this study was to develop the Japanese language version of the Liverpool Care Pathway － Home (LCP－H), and to examine the feasibility of the LCP－H in a pilot study. <b>Methods:</b> LCP－H was administered to cancer patients who were predicted to be in their last few days. We evaluated the achieved care goals of LCP－H. A cross－sectional anonymous questionnaire was administered to home nurses who used LCP－H to evaluate usefulness in using LCP－H. <b>Results:</b> LCP－H was used to 35 patients. The care goals of LCP－H were achieved in almost 80%. The nurses evaluated the usefulness of LCP－H Providing to continuous end－of－life care each staff, Communication well between home nurses and co－medical home staff, and Education for home nurses with limited experience with end－of－life care. <b>Conclusion:</b> The feasibility of LCP－H was confirmed. Therefore, LCP－H should help home nurses to care for dying patients and their families as guide for end－of－life care in home, and improve the quality of end－of－life care in home. However, because the LCP is now being phased out in the UK, it may be necessary to develop an original education tool to assist in care for dying patients and their families in Japan.