title: [State of neurological medical services in the suburbs of Tokyo: the difference between urban and rural districts].
abstract: In Chiba, the number of doctors and hospital beds remain quite insufficient for the current population. The number of neurologists is also insufficient. However, the situation differs between urban regions and rural districts. In rural districts, few neurologists provide medical care for patients living in a large area. On the other hand, in urban regions, the number of neurologists is insufficient because they have to take care of too many patients, most of whom can be dealt with by family doctors. Therefore, we need to take measures to reduce burden on neurologists. It is important to clarify the role of each hospital employee, thereby allowing neurologists to devote themselves to their main duties. The establishment of clinical pathways is one helpful way to promote a team approach in medical care, while trying to improve the efficiency of duties and thus improve the overall medical quality. It is also important to improve the understanding of local residents through education and information programs. By promoting regional medical liaison, we can increase effective medical care that is performed by family doctors.
authors.affiliation: Neurology Division, Tokyo Women's University Yachiyo Medical Center.
authors.forename: Takashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ohashi
mesh_terms: D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D009462:Neurology; D019035:Rural Health Services; D014041:Tokyo / Q000453:epidemiology; D019037:Urban Health Services; D000078329:Workforce