Hospice care in Japan.

Abstract

In 1990 hospice care services in Japan entered a new era when the national government authorized medical insurance coverage for hospice care. Within the last decade in Japan, gradual yet remarkable progress has taken place in a perception of the need for hospice care services. It was in 1981 that the first hospice opened in Japan, followed by five other hospices in a 9 year period. These have been well received both by public and medical professionals, although many difficulties have been encountered in establishing them. It is hoped that further development will include an increase in the number of hospices, a growing awareness within general hospitals of hospice style approach to care, and additionally, an expansion in home care services.