[Long-term problems associated with emergency neurological medicine].
Japanese medical care systems suffered from a number of long-term problems associated with emergency neurological medicine; moreover, with decreasing birthrate and aging society, these problems are rapidly worsening. The problems include shortage and uneven distribution of the necessary convalescent beds required for the treatment of stroke patients, scarcity of beds for treatment heavy work load of in-house healthcare staff, and shortage of human resources, furthermore, back-up emergency wards for acute treatment have not been developed. Medical facilities should be easily available to the general public; however, in a free economy, it is difficult to modify these facilities according to social needs. Moreover, presently, patients with higher brain dysfunction are supported only through nationwide system. It is necessary to recognize the current situation in which many patients have no other choice but to stay at home. In the light of this situation, the medical doctors in charge of emergency neurological medicine should discuss their future mode of action.
Tomita
Hiroki
H
Musashino Red Cross Hospital, 1-26-1 Kyounancho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8610, Japan.
D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019091:Critical Pathways; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D006295:Health Resources / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006742:Hospital Bed Capacity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006765:Hospitals, Convalescent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan; D009462:Neurology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012944:Social Support; D020521:Stroke / Q000451:nursing; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation