Provision of Medical Function Information

Creation of Medical Function Information Provision System

Enforced April 1, 2007

Create a system to obligate medical institutions to report certain information on medical functions to prefectures and prefectures to collect the information and provide it to the public in an understandable manner (a similar system is created with pharmacies)

(1) Name (2) Establisher (3) Managers (4) Adress (5) Phone number (6) Specialized treatment

(7) Date of treatment (8) The number of beds by type (notified and approved)

[All information other than basic information]

(1) Matters regarding management, operation, and services (accessing methods, ability to cope with foreign language, medical expenses, etc.)

(2) Matters regarding services and medical cooperation system (specialists [*limited to those that are advertisable]), facilities, types of diseases and treatments that can be handled, availability of in-home medical care, availability of second opinion, regional medical cooperation system, etc.

(3) Matters regarding achievements and results of medical care (medical safety measures, measures against hospital infection, implementation of critical paths, medical information management system, information disclosure system, availability of analysis on treatment results, number of patients, average length of hospital stay, etc.)

## Provision of documented explanation at the time hospitalization (Medical Care Act) (revised in 2006)

Legally establish in the Medical Care Act that managers of hospitals and clinics formulate, issue, and explain treatment plans at the beginning/end of hospitalization.

## [Overview of the revised system]

Obligation to provide treatment plans at the beginning of hospitalization

• Managers of medical institutions are obliged to prepare, issue, and appropriately explain treatment plans describing treatments to be provided to patients during hospitalization.

• In so doing, managers are obliged to make efforts in reflecting knowledge of medical professionals of hospitals/clinics and facilitate organic cooperation with them.

(Items to be described in the treatment plan)

Name, date of birth, and gender of the patient

Name of a doctor or dentist who is in charge of providing treatment to the patient

Specify disease or injury that caused hospitalization and main symptoms

Plans for providing examinations, surgeries, medications, and other treatments during hospitalization

Other items designated by the Ordinances of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Obligation to make efforts in providing recuperation plans at the end of hospitalization

• Managers of medical institutions are obliged to make efforts in preparing, issuing, and appropriately explaining recuperation plans describing matters regarding required health care, medical care, and welfare services after discharge.

• In so doting, managers are obliged to make efforts in cooperating with health care, medical care, and welfare service providers.

[Effects] • Improved information provision to patients • Improved informed consent • Promotion of team medical care

• Enhanced cooperation with other medical institutions (so-called adjustment function for leaving hospital)

• Promotion of evidence-based medicine (EBM), etc.