Organization of medical rehabilitation in Japan: condition and prospects

In Japan, much attention is paid to the development of medical rehabilitation. This is due to serious economic, social and moral losses that society suffers in connection with an increase in the number of disabling diseases and injuries, as well as a marked aging of the population. In Japan, a legislative and normative-methodological base for rehabilitation has been formed, staged rehabilitation has been organized (acute period, rehabilitation, outpatient). Equipment standards, staffing and other standards for rehabilitation services have been developed, depending on the type of disease. Great importance is given to patient routing and treatment quality assessment. Specialists are being trained: rehabilitologist, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses, social workers. All specialists are included in the list of staffing standards for medical institutions necessary for obtaining accreditation for medical rehabilitation. Payment for medical care in Japan is based on the insurance principle. The cost and standard term for receiving rehabilitation assistance depending on the disease is determined by insurance standards. An example of the work of a rehabilitation center — the Society for Social and Medical Assistance "Hokuto" (Hokkaido, Obihiro).