Abstract
Abstract
Objective : The objective of this research was to clarify the substance and goals of community approaches by Japanese family physicians in the Kansai area.
Methods : The subjects were members of The Kansai Society of Family Practice or The Nara Society of Family Medicine, otherwise known as “Manyo-Shu”. We conducted a focus group discussion, carrying out repeated analyses of the records of the discussion, and the subjects checked the results for maximum trustworthiness.
Results : We found six steps in the community approaches. They were, 1) Daily medical practice, 2) Deciding a physician's franchise area, 3) Physician's entry into a community and critical public appraisal of physicians, 4) Assessment of motivation of co-medical staff, and the key person in the community 5) Logistical support for activities by other healthcare professionals, 6) Assessment of outcomes and achievements. Finally, two hypotheses were formulated. One was'the autonomy of community the other, 'no goal'.
Conclusion : We have identified special community approaches for Japanese family physicians in the Kansai area through this focus group discussion.
