Pathway to Psychiatric Care in Japan
Author Information
Author(s): Fujisawa Daisuke, Hashimoto Naoki, Masamune-Koizumi Yayoi, Otsuka Kotaro, Tateno Masaru, Okugawa Gaku, Nakagawa Atsuo, Sato Ryoko, Kikuchi Toshiaki, Tonai Eita, Yoshida Kosuke, Mori Takatoshi, Takahashi Hidehiko, Sato Soichiro, Igimi Hiroyasu, Waseda Yoshibumi, Ueno Takefumi, Morokuma Ippei, Takahashi Katsuyoshi, Sartorius Norman
Primary Institution: Japan Young Psychiatrists Organization
Hypothesis
How do patients in Japan seek psychiatric care?
Conclusion
The study shows that referral pathways in Japan heavily rely on medical resources, with about 40% of patients directly accessing mental health professionals.
Supporting Evidence
- 39.4% of patients directly accessed mental health professionals.
- Patients with somatic symptoms experienced longer delays to psychiatric care.
- General hospital doctors referred patients to mental health professionals more quickly than private practitioners.
Takeaway
This study looks at how people in Japan get help for mental health problems and finds that many go straight to mental health doctors.
Methodology
The study involved 13 psychiatric facilities and surveyed 228 patients who contacted these facilities, focusing on their pathways to care and delays in treatment.
Potential Biases
Patients may have been reluctant to disclose previous sources of care, potentially leading to underreporting.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was biased in its characteristics and locations, not including psychiatric outpatient clinics.
Participant Demographics
Of the 84 patients, 34 were male and 50 were female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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