[Prefectural health administration's view on otorhinolaryngological care in medical rural areas].
In a previous study, we investigated otorhinolaryngological care by the general practitioners in medical rural areas and demonstrated that a close relationship between general practitioners and otorhinolaryngologists was necessary. In the present study, a survey of prefectural health administration's views on otorhinolaryngological care in medical rural areas was performed. A questionnaire for otorhinolaryngological care in medical rural areas was sent to the divisions of health administration in the 47 prefectures of Japan. Of these prefectures, 46 (97.9%) responded. About 80% of respondents have medical rural areas, and the otorhinolaryngological care is inadequate in most areas. General practitioners of internal medicine or surgery are primarily demanded in about 75% of the prefectures. Otorhinolaryngological care in medical rural areas has never been considered in most prefectures. Because the need for otorhinolaryngological medical care will increase, prefectural health administrations need to pay more attention to otorhinolaryngological care in medical rural areas, and a close relationship between general practitioners, otorhinolaryngologists, and the administration should be established.
Ishikawa
K
K
Department of Otolaryngology, Jichi Medical School, Tochigi.
Tamagawa
Y
Y
Abe
K
K
Kitamura
K
K
Igarashi
M
M
Sone
K
K
Mizorogi
N
N
D003153:Community Health Services; D005194:Family Practice; D006298:Health Services Administration; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D010036:Otolaryngology; D012423:Rural Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce