[Paradigm Shift in the Quality of Regional Medical Care: Cooperative Treatment of Onychomycosis].

　In a superaging society, the medical paradigm should include both less coverage of medical-care work flow by human resources and high-quality care for patients. Strategies such as establishing medical-care teams and community medicine systems mainly for home medical care should be implemented. However, a well-organized system for home-based medical treatment of elderly patients is not yet in place, as evidenced by the lack of care, problems with long-term polypharmacy resulting from visits to multiple healthcare providers, and declines in their physical strength.

[Study of Home-based Ringworm Treatment and Follow-up by Visiting Nurses and Physicians: Interventional Effects].

　The aim of this study was to assess the effects of cooperation by visiting nurses and physicians experienced in general patient care, dermatology, and podiatry for the treatment of ringworm. Questionnaires were delivered to 1184 patients receiving home-based care by one of 14 participating visiting nursing establishments with a combined capacity of 3273 patients throughout five wards of the Tokyo metropolitan area. Responses were obtained from 691 patients (participation rate, 60.

[Current Status of Onychomycosis Topical Therapy Conducted at Home].

　Patients usually consult a dermatologist for the treatment of onychomycosis. However, in the case of home care, visiting nurses may assist with bathing, which offers the opportunity to observe patients' feet for possible signs of onychomycosis without causing anxiety. It is estimated that more than 30% of patients receiving home care have onychomycosis.