Relationship between the quality of life in patients with intractable diseases and the information telecommunication service

This study evaluated the relationship of the quality of life (QOL) of home-care patients having intractable diseases with motor disabilities and the use of information telecommunication services. The investigation was carried out primarily with a questionnaire and interviewing for those incapable of writing. From the answers, the 171 patients were divided into high- and low-QOL groups based on the mean (32.5) and the median (33.0) values. Using a 2-by-2 contingency table, the activities of daily living (ADL), depression score and accessibility of information telecommunication services were compared. Both groups showed significant differences in the QOL, ADL and depression scores. The study suggested that the QOL of home-care patients with intractable diseases were related to ADL and depression. If ADL and depression are maintained at an adequate level, patients can be engaged in outside activities, receive stimulation and increase their motivation. In providing information about subjects familiar to patients with intractable diseases, such sources as the circulating neighborhood newsboard (kairanban), newspapers and mass media are very useful to improve their QOL. Furthermore, devices that support their living should also be developed with regard to their private likes and dislikes.