title: [Continuous medical care for advanced cancer patients from hospital to home care--what we need is not the "gear change", but we need a continuous palliative care].
abstract: The conversion from a treatment that aimed for cure to palliative care for advanced cancer patients is called a "gear change" in Japan. However, what we need is not the "gear change", but we need an establishment of cancer medical system in which palliative care is offered as needed anywhere at anytime. Toward this end, it is important to have a conscious reform effort by oncologists, a promotion of palliative care at hospital and a positive action taken by the hospital to coordinate between the local medical institution, a welfare organization and a nursing organization.
authors.affiliation: Towada City Hospital.
authors.forename: Yoshikazu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ashino
mesh_terms: D019058:Community Networks / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D006699:Home Care Services; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital; D010166:Palliative Care; D010348:Patient Care Team