6 Present Conditions and Problems with Regional Medical
Information Cooperation
The number of regional medical information cooperation network systems is
increasing, and the Community-based Integrated Care System and the “fund to
revitalize community health care” have been introduced. Many new networks are
formed for utilization in the comprehensive community care system. The number of
Cloud-based networks and two-way information exchange capabilities are also
increasing. By adopting the Cloud-based approach, the initial investment is lower.
Many networks are growing with the introduction of subsidies, but it is doubtful
how far they can cover future operating expenses through usage fees. Some networks were dormant or closed when they were subsidized and bereft of support. The
networks that continue to the present have become famous, as have networks
perceived by users as possessing merit and those that collect a usage fee as a
consideration for use and establish their financial base. In addition, although many
networks have been launched, the features required are similar; furthermore, most
networks have been built independently (Murata & Kato, 2016). Efficient implementation, operation, and cross-regional collaboration are expected to be necessary,
and standardization of functions will be required in the future. According to Nihon
Keizai Shimbun (March 15, 2019), although the national and local governments
have spent more than JPY 53 billion to curb medical costs and improve patient
convenience, only 1% of the nation’s population is enrolled in around 210 regional
networks (Uebayashi, 2019).
0
0
4
5
6
0
8
10
11
12
20
34
45
53
63
67
69
1
1
2
2
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13
19
30
40
52
65
69
70
1
1
3
4
4
4
4
7
7
11
18
32
50
71
88
105
112
0
0
0
1
2
2
3
5
6
7
8
10
15
19
22
22
22
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
1XPEHURIQHWZRUN&XPXODWLYH
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Fig. 5 Changes in information cooperation methods (including planned). Source: Watanabe, A., &
Ueno, T. (2015). IT wo Riyou Shita Zenkoku Chiki Iryo Renkei no Gaikyo [Overview of National
Community Medical Collaboration Using IT]. (No. 368). Retrieved from Japan Medical Association Research Institute website: https://www.jmari.med.or.jp/download/WP368.pdf
Current Status and Issues with Japan’s Community-Based Integrated Care System:. . .
163
Information Cooperation
The number of regional medical information cooperation network systems is
increasing, and the Community-based Integrated Care System and the “fund to
revitalize community health care” have been introduced. Many new networks are
formed for utilization in the comprehensive community care system. The number of
Cloud-based networks and two-way information exchange capabilities are also
increasing. By adopting the Cloud-based approach, the initial investment is lower.
Many networks are growing with the introduction of subsidies, but it is doubtful
how far they can cover future operating expenses through usage fees. Some networks were dormant or closed when they were subsidized and bereft of support. The
networks that continue to the present have become famous, as have networks
perceived by users as possessing merit and those that collect a usage fee as a
consideration for use and establish their financial base. In addition, although many
networks have been launched, the features required are similar; furthermore, most
networks have been built independently (Murata & Kato, 2016). Efficient implementation, operation, and cross-regional collaboration are expected to be necessary,
and standardization of functions will be required in the future. According to Nihon
Keizai Shimbun (March 15, 2019), although the national and local governments
have spent more than JPY 53 billion to curb medical costs and improve patient
convenience, only 1% of the nation’s population is enrolled in around 210 regional
networks (Uebayashi, 2019).
0
0
4
5
6
0
8
10
11
12
20
34
45
53
63
67
69
1
1
2
2
3
3
5
6
7
13
19
30
40
52
65
69
70
1
1
3
4
4
4
4
7
7
11
18
32
50
71
88
105
112
0
0
0
1
2
2
3
5
6
7
8
10
15
19
22
22
22
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
1XPEHURIQHWZRUN&XPXODWLYH
&HQWUDOL]HGV\VWHPQ
'LVWULEXWHGV\VWHPQ
&ORXGEDVHGV\VWHPQ
2WKHUV
0XOWLSOHDQVZHUVDYDLODEOH
Fig. 5 Changes in information cooperation methods (including planned). Source: Watanabe, A., &
Ueno, T. (2015). IT wo Riyou Shita Zenkoku Chiki Iryo Renkei no Gaikyo [Overview of National
Community Medical Collaboration Using IT]. (No. 368). Retrieved from Japan Medical Association Research Institute website: https://www.jmari.med.or.jp/download/WP368.pdf
Current Status and Issues with Japan’s Community-Based Integrated Care System:. . .
163