[Factors leading to home care of patients in the terminal stage of malignant diseases--a study of 10 cases].

: In order to clarify the factors that lead patients in the terminal stage of malignant diseases to home care, we interviewed ten families of such patients. Among factors involving patients, a strong desire to stay at home and to spend time at home with the family were initially required. Adequate understanding of the patients and their diseases was also needed by families. Other factors include guaranteed medical services in emergencies and/or 24 hours/day 7 days/week care. Patients requested referrals to family physicians, visiting nurses or community health services to cover outpatient clinic functions. It is concluded that a strong desire to stay at home, adequate understanding by the family and guaranteed medical services in emergencies were three significant factors leading to home care of patients in the terminal stage of malignant diseases.