Fukushima study for Engaging people with type 2 Diabetes in Behaviour Associated Change (FEEDBACK): study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial.

Background: The growing burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the rising cost of healthcare worldwide make it imperative to identify interventions that can promote sustained self-management behaviour in T2DM populations while minimising costs for healthcare systems. The present FEEDBACK study (Fukushima study for Engaging people with type 2 Diabetes in Behaviour Associated Change) aims to evaluate the effects of a novel behaviour change intervention designed to be easily implemented and scaled across a wide range of primary care settings.

Methods: A cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) with a 6-month follow-up will be conducted to evaluate the effects of the FEEDBACK intervention.

The paradox of the COVID-19 pandemic: The impact on patient demand in Japanese hospitals.

Analyzing data from a large, nationally distributed group of Japanese hospitals, we found a dramatic decline in both inpatient and outpatient volumes over the three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan from February to December 2020. We identified three key reasons for this fall in patient demand. First, COVID-19-related hygiene measures and behavioral changes significantly reduced non-COVID-19 infectious diseases.

Are Japanese people satisfied with their health care system and services? Empirical evidence from survey data.

Background: Japan's universal health care system provides many advantages for its users, including affordable health coverage with free and equal access to medical institutions. However, the Japanese population's satisfaction with the health care system is among the lowest internationally. This paper investigates the extent and determinants of satisfaction toward Japan's health care system and services, and compares the results with those of eleven other high-income countries.

Supplier-Induced Demand for Chronic Disease Care in Japan: Multilevel Analysis of the Association between Physician Density and Physician-Patient Encounter Frequency.

Background: There are currently large regional variations in the frequency of physician-patient encounters for the treatment of chronic lifestyle diseases in Japan. These variations may be influenced by competition among physicians, and supplier-induced demand (SID) in health care can occur when physicians manipulate their patients' demand for medical services to increase the use of health care.

Objectives: To analyze patient data to investigate the presence of SID in the treatment of chronic diseases at the regional level in Japan.

Facilitators and barriers in the humanization of childbirth practice in Japan.

Background: Humanizing birth means considering women's values, beliefs, and feelings and respecting their dignity and autonomy during the birthing process. Reducing over-medicalized childbirths, empowering women and the use of evidence-based maternity practice are strategies that promote humanized birth. Nevertheless, the territory of birth and its socio-cultural values and beliefs concerning child bearing can deeply affect birthing practices.

[Quantitative analysis of the demand for emergency medicine in Yokohama City, Japan].

Purpose: We analyzed regional characteristics that potentially might affect regional demand for emergency medicine in Yokohama city and projected the number of future ambulance users.

Methods: The number of patients transported by ambulance was regarded as an index of the demand for emergency medicine. Various factors that may affect regional demand for emergency medicine were used as dependent variables in multiple regression analysis.