Challenges for Japanese rural home care workers in interprofessional collaboration: a qualitative study. Issue 4 (2nd October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ohta, Ryuichi; Ryu, Yoshinori; Katsube, Takuji
• Is Part Of: Home health care services quarterly. Volume 37:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: 313
• Page End: 324
• Publication Date: 2018-10-02
• Subjects: Home care worker -- interprofessional collaboration -- Japanese home care -- rural area -- thematic analysis; Home care services -- Periodicals; Home care services -- United States -- Periodicals; Home Care Services -- Periodicals; 362.14
• DOI: 10.1080/01621424.2018.1525462
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0162-1424

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Among medical professionals, the role of home care workers is crucial in the care of patients in their homes. In Japan, however, research on the difficulties home care workers face while working in rural zones is limited. Using thematic analysis, a qualitative study was conducted with 57 home care workers in a rural area of Japan. Findings revealed the difficulties they experienced regarding the medical problems of their patients and in their relationships with other professionals. The old customs of rural medicine and the system of long-term care insurance strongly influence relationships among multiprofessionals, leading to conflict and hierarchy.