Exploration of Unmet Palliative Care Needs and Development of Intervention Methods in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K16520
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 52010:General internal medicine-related
• Research Institution: Kobe University
• Principal Investigator: Matsunuma Ryo 神戸大学, 医学部附属病院, 医員 (60870508)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 慢性心不全 / 緩和ケア / アンメットニーズ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to identify the palliative care needs of patients with chronic heart failure, develop a Japanese version of the palliative care screening tool, and validate its reliability and validity. Initially, the frequency and intensity of distress in outpatients with chronic heart failure were investigated, revealing the presence of symptoms such as dyspnea and a need for end-of-life discussions. These findings were published in Palliative Medicine Reports. A brief report is currently under review. Subsequently, we are advancing the validation of the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the NAT:PD-HF, a palliative care screening tool. However, due to delays in the work, the research to verify its reliability and validity is ongoing.

Free Research Field

緩和ケア

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

慢性心不全と緩和ケアの研究は入院中の終末期の報告が多く、外来通院中の安定した慢性心不全患者における緩和ケアのアンメットニーズはこれまで報告がなかった。苦痛と病状を知りたいというニーズがあることが判明した。安定した外来でも緩和ケアのスクリーニングを行うことで、アンメットニーズに対応できる可能性を考えた。スクリーニングツールの中でも包括的にスクリーニングが可能なNAT:PD-HFを導入するべく、日本語版の信頼性と妥当性を検証することとした。COVID-19流行により大幅に作業が遅れており、引き続き研究を行っていく予定である。