Abstract
In regard to measures taken by the Government of Japan for the control of hepatitis, the basic measures include education of healthcare professionals involved in the medical care of patients with hepatitis and enhancement/improvement of team-based care, as well as organization of regional medical networks and expansion of the subsidy system for medical care costs. We have introduced a clinical path sheet with the aim of establishing a medical care network for interferon treatment at our hospital, thereby leading to the development of team-based care. Our approach seemed to indicate that similar measures for hepatitis control adopted at the national level could bring about improvements in the medical treatment of patients with hepatitis in general hospitals. Further improvement in the medical treatment of hepatic diseases in the community requires the development of team-based care in multiple medical facilities. To achieve this, establishment of a program to certify healthcare professionals and introduction of additional remuneration for medical services, such as patient interviews and provision of guidance for patients, are expected.
