About MEICIS

Aims

The aims of this research project are to develop and examine systems and methods integrated with social resources in the community for promotion of mental health and early intervention under the idea of “the community-based integrated care system adapted for mental disorders as well,” which are possible and sustainable under the medical health care system of Japan. We have planned studies and practice in both the domains of community care and early intervention in psychiatry and will utilize the know-how gained in this project. To achieve our objective, we have set 4 model areas, which are considered as typical regions in Japan, and will conduct research and practice focusing on the following points:

(1) The community-based integrated care system adapted for psychiatric disorders as well, under construction in Japan.
Social loss associated with mental disorders has been recognized worldwide. In Japan also, mental disorder has been included as one of the 5 diseases designated by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. The Ministry promotes the construction of a multilayer-like support system on the basis of the idea of “the community-based integrated care system adapted for psychiatric disorders as well.”

(2) Considering social implementation of early intervention.
The psychiatric medical and public health policy in Japan promotes a shift from hospital-based care to care and support services in the community. To maintain the services, we need to incorporate early intervention, so as to prevent the onset and exacerbation of mental disorders and encourage social inclusion. Its importance is recognized worldwide and guidelines have been published in each country. On the other hand, when we establish community-based care systems that incorporate early intervention, we need to create systems that are possible to implement and practical in Japan, considering the differences in medical care, stigma towards psychiatry, and the cultural and societal characteristics in Japan versus other countries.

(3) Early intervention systems adopted for the characteristics of the community.
When implementing early intervention in the community, it is indispensable to consider the characteristics of the community and differences among communities as follows: the concentration of the population and medical care to urban area, population decline in rural areas, aging and falling birthrate, economic disparity, and so on. The setting of model areas reflecting these problems and the examination of the effects of the intervention through fieldwork are urgent issues.

Plans

We propose to conduct the following sequentially and immediately.

  1. Choice of model areas and surveys of the actual situation on the ground there.
    Four areas were chosen for this project, with different geographical conditions and population dynamics, as follows: (1) Adachi City, Tokyo, (2) Akita Prefecture, Tohoku region (3) Tokorozawa City, Saitama, and (4) the Keihin district, Metropolitan area. We propose to investigate the actual feasibility and effects of providing mental health services for advice and early intervention in these areas.
  2. Implementation of mental health services and early intervention in the model areas.
    We propose to examine and develop service models in the 4 areas based on the problems in each area, as follows:

    (1) Adachi City: Considering its dense population, we shall set up a service institution in the community in a densely populated area and use it as a base for regional alliances.

    (2) Akita Prefecture: Considering the falling population and aging, we shall develop regional cooperation and services using information and communication technology (ICT) to resolve the problems of the long distances among the communities and insufficient manpower.

    (3) Tokorozawa City: Considering the moderate number of residential areas in the suburbs, we shall attempt to incorporate specialized staff for visits and outreach services.

    (4) Keihin area: we shall investigate issues and conduct trials considering that it is a widely connected area (Ota City, southern Kawasaki, and eastern Yokohama).

  3. Preparation of the local resources map
    We shall prepare a useful local resources map that can be utilized by the mental healthcare staff when giving advice.
  4. Establishment of concrete support methods
    We shall develop support systems and examine their efficacy in the model areas and prepare a flow chart of the concrete support techniques.
  5. Policy proposal
    We shall compile a policy proposal for local comprehensive early intervention corresponding to the local characteristics of each area. In addition, we shall hold training meetings for mental healthcare workers using the support tools and systems mentioned above.

精神障害にも対応した地域包括ケアシステムにおける若年者等に 対する早期相談・支援サービスの導入及び検証のための研究

「にも包括」への早期相談・支援の導入

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