Regional differences in the provision of home-visit rehabilitation services in Japan.
Toshihiro Futohashi
PMID 39764297WHAT IT FOUND
Home-visit rehabilitation sessions in Japan rose by 75% between 2013 and 2021, outpacing the 14% growth in the older population.
However, regional disparities did not shrink. Prefectures with low service numbers in 2013 remained low in 2021.
Key findings
01The total number of home-visit rehabilitation sessions increased by 75% from 2013 to 2021, while the older population increased by 14%.
02Despite the overall increase in services, regional disparities as measured by the Gini coefficient showed little change between 2013 and 2021.
03Prefectures that had fewer home-visit rehabilitation sessions in 2013 tended to still have fewer sessions in 2021, suggesting disparities are becoming entrenched.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
The analysis only counted home-visit rehabilitation sessions. It did not include outpatient rehabilitation, which might be more available in areas where home visits are scarce. Some home-visit rehabilitation services provided through home-visit nursing stations were not counted, potentially underestimating the true volume of services. The study identifies regional disparities but does not determine the causes, such as local policy or workforce shortages.
Declared interests
The author declares no conflicts of interest. The research received no external funding.
The easy way to misread this
Do not assume that the 75% national increase in services means access improved equally everywhere. The data shows that regional disparities remained static, so patients in historically low-supply areas likely still face the same access barriers as before.