Current status of local network system for patient safety in Japan

Abstract

Since the ‘Patient Safety Promotion Comprehensive Measures’ report in 2002, Japan's medical safety system has been established utilizing financial incentives based on medical fee additions. In addition to audits based on the Medical Care Act, the system incorporates third-party evaluations and certifications related to hospital functions. Furthermore, since 2006, the implementation of the Preferential Patient Safety Countermeasure (PPSCF) Fee 1 and 2, and since 2018, Additional Fee for the Local Network (AFLN) 1 and 2, which include peer-to-peer assessments, have contributed to building a patient safety system of international caliber. However, comprehensive reports on the overview of this system and the current situation in Japan have been scarce. This study aims to provide an overview of Japan's patient safety measures, with a specific focus on local network sheets, peer reviews, and third-party evaluations, highlighting the features of these initiatives in Japan.