[Participatory action-research in the development of health policies for Izumo City, Japan].
The method of participatory action-research has been introduced in planning and implementing health and welfare projects for the elderly in Izumo City since 1993. Public health researchers have participated in the projects with other related administrative sectors, citizen and non-profit organizations. This study analyzes the establishment and implementation of health policies of Izumo from the following five aspects: policy-making, priority, education, intersectoral cooperation and community development. The participatory action-research method was useful for developing the ability of health-staff to work with citizens; for integrating community care and community development; for using community resources effectively for primary health care; and for developing community-based education of citizens, medical students and health staff. This method can be and should be adopted for strengthening the policy-making ability of public health researchers who learn through cooperation with citizens and non-profit organizations.
Shiwaku
K
K
Department of Environmental Medicine, Shimane Medical University.
Yamane
Y
Y
Fukushima
T
T
Isobe
A
A
Hojo
N
N
Gao
T Q
TQ
Wang
C J
CJ
D003256:Community Participation; D006266:Health Education; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006292:Health Priorities; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007564:Japan; D009939:Organizations, Nonprofit