OBJECTIVES: Changes in air temperature and its relation to ambulance transports due to heat stroke in all 47 prefectures, in Japan were evaluated. METHODS: Data on air temperature were obtained from the Japanese Meteorological Agency. Data on ambulance transports due to heat stroke was directly obtained from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Japan. We also used the number of deaths due to heat stroke from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan, and population data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Chronological changes in parameters of air temperature were analyzed. In addition, the relation between air temperature and ambulance transports due to heat stroke in August 2010 was also evaluated by using an ecological study. RESULTS: Positive and significant changes in the parameters of air temperature that is, the mean air temperature, mean of the highest air temperature, and mean of the lowest air temperature were noted in all 47 prefectures. In addition, changes in air temperature were accelerated when adjusted for observation years. Ambulance transports due to heat stroke was significantly correlated with air temperature in the ecological study. The highest air temperature was significantly linked to ambulance transports due to heat stroke, especially in elderly subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Global warming was demonstrated in all 47 prefectures in Japan. In addition, the higher air temperature was closely associated with higher ambulance transports due to heat stroke in Japan.
Age Factors ; Aged ; Ambulances/statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Heat Stroke/*epidemiology/etiology ; Hot Temperature/*adverse effects ; Humans ; Japan/epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Temperature

In order to promote regional cooperation in palliative care, we developed a regional cooperation clinical pathway for home palliative care that offers simple support and is easy to use. We then administered a questionnaire survey to 14 healthcare professionals with various specialties who were involved in the introduction of the pathway, and we revised the pathway on the basis of the survey results. The revised pathway was then tested in 13 patients who were discharged from 3 designated cancer care hospitals in Toyama City to home care, and another questionnaire survey was conducted afterwards in the same manner. The mean overall score on the questionnaire was 2 in seven, 3 in seven (on a scale of 0 to 3) at the time of introduction, whereas the score after trial use was 1 in one, 2 in four, 3 in five. We believe that more innovative approaches to the implementation of such pathways are required.

Purpose and Methods: Aiming at the relief of suffering by the palliative care team and prompt information sharing between healthcare professionals with various specialties, We introduced new IT cloud system, carried out questionnaire survey and examined the usefulness to 11 persons of healthcare professionals. Five cases where the palliative care team was concerned during the hospitalize became a home palliative care to the tried half a year. Results: All the members were using the personal computer as an input device. Four persons were using the iPhone. Two persons had the experience inputted on the spot. Nine persons of the input time were 5 or less minutes. All the members were perusing at various places by various device. Urgently and vital mail was useful: 3 in six, 2 in three, 1 in one, 0 in one. Information content were suitable: 3 in nine, 2 in two. Cooperation were completed in the smooth: 3 in nine, 2 in two. Have you utilized EIR for the home palliative care?: 3 in nine, 2 in two. Conclution: To the support of information sharing and palliative care team by IT cloud system transduction, the useful probability was suggested in the home palliative care.

This study examined the effectiveness of a communication program in undergraduate medical education in improving communication in physicians' clinical practice. The effectiveness of the program was assessed with a mail survey using self-rated questionnaires 9 years later. Ninety participants were follwed up in late 1994; 57.8% of them replied to the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 60% replied that programs concerned with active listening and role-playing had benefits on communicating with patients and families. In addition, 40% of respondents answered that case studies aimed at teaching comprehensive medicine with the team approach was effective in improving communication with co-medical staff. These results suggest that the communication program in undergraduate medical education is effective in improving clinical communication in clinical practice when students are highly motivated.