Abstract
We have surveyed the present situation and challenges of a newly introduced Prefectural Healthcare Expenditure Control Plan. This survey was based on a literature survey and a questionnaire survey by mail targeting all 47 prefectures.
Responses were received from 39 prefectures (response rate: 83.0%) and the results show that the organization structure and data used for planning is similar among prefectures. In less than half of the prefectures do hospital associations' representatives attend regional planning committees. In order to assure a cost-effective improvement of the regional healthcare, which is one of the major goals of this plan, participation of representatives of hospital associations in the regional committees is important in the future.
Often-cited data, which seemed necessary but difficult to obtain, was healthcare claim data by prefecture, gender and age as well as individual data of national surveys such as the national patient's survey. Rules of accessing and using national government-owned data including claim data by prefectural governments should be considered to make the planning process more effective.
Japanese government is expected to set targets as to a healthcare increase rate and to establish and demonstrate a predictive model for healthcare expenditure which would reflect the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. Prefectures need to organize committees, which should reflect the perspectives of stakeholders, and establish a data analyzing system.Keywords‥healthcare expenditure control plan, health plan, questionnaire survey
