Fondaparinux s.c. has been used instead of unfractionated heparin div. as a first line treatment for pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in our clinical pathway since March 1, 2011. We retrospectively recruited 47 patients (heparin group: 27 pts, fondaparinux group: 20 pts) who had been treated with PTE and/or DVT between January 1, 2008, and June 30, 2014. Various parameters were used to compare the two groups, such as length of stay (LOS), mortality, readmission and complication rate. LOS was significantly shorter in the fondaparinux group than in heparin group (16.33 ± 6.45 days vs. 21.08 ± 5.93 days, p=0.018). No significant differences in mortality, readmission or complication rate were found between the two groups. No bleeding complications occurred in fondaparinux group. Fondaparinux s.c. is a feasible, safe treatment for PTE and DVT when compared with unfractionated heparin div. in terms of LOS.

　As Japan confronts the reality of a rapidly aging society, the sharp increase in the number of dementia patients presents significant social problems. This study clarified issues regarding dementia knowledge and the provision of care to dementia patients among community support personnel (e.g. care managers, assistant care providers and visiting nurses involved in the provision of dementia care), and investigated the background factors. A questionnaire was circulated among 1,093 community support personnel at facilities that provide care and home services within Sagamihara City. The response rate was 36.5% (399 responses).

　Community support personnel noted inadequacies related to each medical and care resource item. No significant differences between districts were apparent. However, community support personnel expressed the view that daytime care resources, such as day services, are more adequate than other social resources.

　Seminars for dementia care providers were attended by 41.4% of community support personnel. Seminar attendance is speculated to have increased attendees’ knowledge and contributed to reducing their uneasiness in talking to and providing care to dementia patients with physical disorders.

　Although 66.7% of community support personnel had dementia consultation experience, more than 50% expressed the belief that inadequacies exist regarding, “medical instruction provided to patients,” or“ medical instruction provided to families.” Community support personnel who work in close contact with families of dementia patients stated that the system needs to readily enable,“ consultation with family physicians,” and access to the latest clinical training. The provision of care by a range of occupations is indispensable to effective dementia care, and an effective means of facilitating communication among the dementia community is an important information sharing tool.