How to use the skills of neurology specialists in home care medicine―mindset for community neurology―

Abstract

Home care medicine is often performed in Japan. Since our clinic engages specifically in aiding home care patients, we analyzed how the skills of neurology specialists are used in home care medicine. In emergency call situations, specialist skills were used effectively in diagnosing neurological problems in fewer than 10% of all cases. In conventional home care patient visits, specialist skills were applied more often in diagnosis, therapy, nursing and rehabilitation than in emergency call situations. In order to expand our usefulness as neurology specialists in home care medicine, cooperative relationships between hospitals and clinics, information sharing with other medical professionals and patients' families, and rehabilitation and training for Parkinson disease and other neurodegenerative diseases are important for neurology specialists in the community. The way of thinking of neurology specialists, who aim to support community patients and their families in living calmly at home, might be a helpful mindset for community neurology.