Primary composite endpoints
(1) Factors affecting the number of days from the start of sedation to death
(2) Patient/family satisfaction after administration of drugs for symptom relief
(3) Evaluation by medical staff after administration of drugs for symptom relief
Prediction of prognosis at the start of sedation and number of days from the start of sedation to death; names of drugs used for sedation and dosage (starting dose, maintenance dose, maximum dose); number of days from conference to death and drugs and dosage used (starting dose, maintenance dose, maximum dose) for cases in which symptoms were relieved with medical narcotics or other drugs without sedatives; comparison of major distress symptoms in cases in which symptom relief was possible without sedatives and those in which sedatives were necessary.