Micro-Ethnographic Study of Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Good Death Among Home-based End-stage Clients in Japan

Background: Aging and chronic illness increase demand for home-based end-of-life care, yet in Japan interdisciplinary collaboration for a good death remains underexplored as structure and cultural practice. This study aimed to clarify cultural norms embodied in interdisciplinary collaboration supporting a “good death” for clients receiving home-based end-of-life care. Methods: A micro-ethnographic design based on Roper and Shapira’s framework was applied. Data came from fieldwork and interviews with 15 team members caring for three home-based end-stage clients. Results: Twelve embedded themes were identified across four culturally symbolic care phases. 1) Relational grounding: person-centered team formation and value recognition; family alignment and consensus building. 2) Cultural integration: living well in the present with anticipatory care; family-centered support and shared responsibility; resource use and professional collaboration. 3) Consensus and closure: individualized symptom relief and end-of-life education; shared decision-making and value-based care; family-centering of anticipatory grief care; preserving everyday life and personal identity; reflective team practices and rituals of closure. 4) Relational continuity: legacy recognition and affirmation of end-of-life experiences; grief support and professional reflection. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary collaboration enabling a good death harmonized with daily life, reflected individual life quality, and formed cultural community where clients and families shared concerns, learned, and lived together.