訪問看護師が捉える終末期高齢がん患者の未告知がもたらす様相

Purpose : To clarify the aspects brought about when withholding the truth about the prognosis from elderly patients with terminal cancer from the perspective of visiting nurses. Methods : Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 visiting nurses of home visit nursing offices in the Kansai area from May to September 2021, and the obtained data were qualitatively and descriptively analyzed.
Results : Six categories of the aspects brought about when withholding the truth about the prognosis from elderly patients with terminal cancer were identified from the perspective of visiting nurses :［preventing patients from what they want to do］ etc.
Discussion : These categories clarified 2 characteristics of the aspects brought about when withholding the truth about the prognosis from elderly patients with terminal cancer : preventing patients from being convinced that they are living their last period, even though they are in their own homes ; and making it impossible for all parties involved, including families and visiting nurses, to devote themselves to parting. Based on this, the choice to withhold the truth from patients may unintentionally deprive them of the chance for a good end of life, and let home end-of-life care, which further deepens interpersonal relationships in most cases, end before its benefits are fully realized.
Conclusion : Visiting nurses should support patients and their families for a good end of life that is possible only at home, while understanding these aspects brought about when withholding the truth about the by prognosis from the former.