Korean J Hosp Palliat Care.  2016 Mar;19(1):5-10. 10.14475/kjhpc.2016.19.1.5.

Location of Death and End-of-Life Care

• Rhee Y

• KMID: 2156239
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14475/kjhpc.2016.19.1.5

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study reviewed what the location of death (LOD) means as an outcome and how to use LOD to assess end-of-life (EOL) care. This study also examined the reason why LOD is significant for the quality of EOL care.
METHODS
A literature review was performed, using LODs and home deaths as outcomes in the field of EOL care, and analyzed the findings associated with key fields in regards to LOD.
RESULTS
Palliative care research used LOD, in particular, hospital death (versus home death) as a significant outcome when examining cost savings, quality of life care, and patient and family preferences. Based on substantial evidence from previous research, home hospice or continuous palliative care in non-hospital settings (i.e. homes, nursing homes) have been designed and available for dying patients in developed countries.
CONCLUSION
The LOD delivers practical significance as an outcome for diverse reasons. In-depth examination on LOD in South Korea is needed despite limitations to interpretation of its meaning in the country.

Keyword

Hospices; Terminal care; Palliative care; Outcome assessment

MeSH Terms

Cost Savings
Developed Countries
Hospices
Humans
Korea
Nursing Homes
Palliative Care
Quality of Life
Terminal Care