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This version was published on November 1, 2007
American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine®, Vol. 24, No. 5, 383-389 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1049909107300552

Physician and Nurse Attitudes Toward Artificial Hydration for Terminally Ill Cancer Patients in Japan: Results of 2 Nationwide Surveys

Mitsunori Miyashita, RN, PhD

Department of Adult Nursing/Palliative Care Nursing, School of Health Sciences and Nursing, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, miyasita-tky{at}umin.net

Tatsuya Morita, MD

Department of Palliative and Supportive Care, Palliative Care Team and Seirei Hospice, Seirei Mikatahara Hospital, Shizuoka

Yasuo Shima, MD

Department of Palliative Medicine, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital, Ibaraki

Rieko Kimura, RN, MHlthSci

Keio University, Tokyo

Mikako Takahashi, RN, CNS

St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo

Isamu Adachi, MD

Shizuoka Cancer Center, Shizuoka Japan

This study investigated physician and nurse attitudes toward artificial hydration in terminally ill cancer patients and compared differences in attitudes between these 2 professions and among clinical settings in Japan. The response rate was 53% (584/1123) for physicians and 79% for nurses (3328/4210). More physicians answered that artificial hydration alleviates the sensation of thirst. More palliative care unit physicians and nurses answered that withholding artificial hydration alleviated several physical symptoms. Oncologists answered that artificial hydration alleviated the sensation of thirst and fatigue. Discussion among patient-centered teams and individualized decision making are important. Because the differences identified here are attributable to differences in knowledge of artificial hydration for terminal cancer patients, oncologists should place greater emphasis on the opinion of palliative care specialists. Medical practitioners caring for terminal cancer patients should consider a broader range of views on hydration therapy, with a focus on effective hydration techniques and alternative interventions.

Key Words: palliative care • fluid therapy • attitude

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