Abstract
The promotion of in-home medical and long-term care is a priority in Japan, as the birthrate is declining rapidly and population aging continues. In areas in which in-home medical care services are provided, there are problems concerning medicine administration and storage. As pharmacotherapy experts, pharmacists are expected to participate in in-home medical care. Although their participation is increasing overall, many pharmacies do not provide in-home medical care services. This study examined the obstacles and solutions to promoting in-home medical care services provided by community pharmacists in metropolitan areas, where the enhancement of in-home medical and long-term care is urgently required. The hearing survey conducted in metropolitan areas revealed details concerning the circumstances surrounding problems such as lack of pharmacists, cooperation, and understanding of other medical staff. The results suggest that holding conferences on in-home medical and long-term care and promoting the activities of the Japan Pharmaceutical Association are effective in strengthening the cooperation between pharmacists and other medical staff. An analysis of 47 prefectural medical care plans showed that, to operate the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle effectively, it is important to establish indices of status and numerical targets that reflect status accurately, such as the number of pharmacies that provide in-home medical care services. Furthermore, examination of the establishment of numerical targets related to cooperation is critical, because cooperation between pharmacists and other medical staff is a very important issue in promoting in-home medical and long-term care.
