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Citation
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Takahashi K, Tachimori H, Kan C, Nishi D, Okumura Y, Kato N, Takeshima T. Psychiatry Clin. Neurosci. 2016; 71(4): 254-261. |
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Abstract
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AIM: The aim of our study is to clarify the geographical movement of patients treated in psychiatric facilities, which can provide important information on the resources and healthcare system of psychiatric services.
METHODS: We conduct an analysis of nationwide data on psychiatric patients, collected as an additional survey to the conventional "630 survey" in 2014. For the 151,848 initially admitted inpatients during six months and the 144,401 outpatients on a specific day, we identify whether a patient was admitted to a psychiatric facility located in the same medical area as his/her residence. We estimate percentages of being from i) within the medical area, ii) within the prefecture, and iii) outside the prefecture, using a Bayesian statistical approach for each secondary medical area.
RESULTS: The inpatients move in wider areas than outpatients do. Almost all inpatients and outpatients receive their medical treatment at hospitals/clinics within the prefectures they live in.
CONCLUSIONS: Since the current mental health medical system in Japan has been operating considering prefecture unit, it may be appropriate to plan a medical system at prefecture level.
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Language: en |