Abstract
About seventy artificial respirators are continuously in use at Nishibeppu Hospital for patients with neuro-muscular diseases. To operate these respirators nurses are required special technical knowledge. To improve the nurses' technical skills for the use of the artificial respirators, mandatory courses of “Breath Treatment Nurse Certificate” were introduced in 2004. A team of doctors and breath treatment specialists of all three associations hold these courses.
After the first 3 years Nishibeppu National Hospital can report the following results：During the first year, the position of acknowledged specialists (Nintei-shi) was established at the hospital.During the second year, the course content, methods and situation of participation were discussed.
In the third year the course started and a problem evaluation was conducted based on a survey of participating nurses. In addition future tasks concerning the position and function of the acknowledged specialists (Nintei-shi) were clarified.
