ABSTRACT
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to clarify the issues for nurses in neurology departments of medical clinics in building a comprehensive community care system based on the implementation status of regional cooperation and individual support for hospitalized patients. We selected neurology as the subject of our study because patients who visit the neurology department are in the medical clinic for an extended period, and we believe that regional cooperation and individual support are implemented more than in other departments.Methods: A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted by mail in February 2020 among nurses at 1,052 clinics, which were randomly selected from 2,104 clinics with neurology departments among medical institutions designated for intractable diseases.Results: We collected 174 responses (16.5% collection rate), 164 of which were valid (15.5% valid response rate). The regional cooperation rate was 71.3% and individual support by nurses was implemented at 29.9% of the clinics in the past year. Clinical physicians often sought "patient support in collaboration with related parties" and "patient guidance". Free descriptions included five categories such as [strengthening the awareness and abilities of nurses who are responsible for community healthcare] and [training nurses who can promote comprehensive community care].Conclusion: Regional cooperation and individual support are necessary as nursing activities linked to the functions of family physicians.