[Assessment of social networks between developmental physicians and welfare facilities/specialists for children with intellectual disabilities in Japan].
The social networks between Japanese child neurologists and welfare facilities/specialists for children with mental retardation (MR) were assessed. A total of 113 physicians answered our mail-in questionnaire. Most of the doctors had various connections with nursery homes for children with MR or severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID) and with public health centers, and often collaborated with teachers of schools and kindergartens. On the other hand, most physicians had little relation with residential and vocational facilities for adults with MR, and with specialists in residential or community care. There was a statistical correlation between the number of facilities or collaborated specialists and the number of persons seen by each physician; however, the physicians' experience and affiliations had no relation. In view of 'social participation', physicians who usually see children with developmental disorders can play an important role in decision making of their life-style with their families.
Inagaki
Masumi
M
Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Ichikawa, Chiba. inagaki@ncnp-k.go.jp
Horiguchi
Toshihiro
T
Kaga
Makiko
M
D002648:Child; D002658:Developmental Disabilities; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D010820:Physicians; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012944:Social Support; D012946:Social Welfare / Q000191:economics; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires