Community Mental Health Services in Japan:

Abstract

Background & Aims: Community mental health services, particularly home visit services, are essential for facilitating the integration of psychiatric patients into the community. However, the number of home visits by Japanese administrative agencies has not increased past five years. This study investigates the factors influencing number of home visits. Methods: In June 2022, a survey was conducted among 250 mental healthcare staff working at administrative agencies in the Gunma Prefecture. It sought insights into their work experiences and attitudes related to their roles. Multiple regression analysis was employed to assess the factors impacting number of home visits as the dependent variable. Results:The study revealed a negative correlation between mental health work experience and both the total number of visits, and the number of visits conducted by respondents within their respective institutions. Positive correlation was observed between the number of home visits and the perception of how much their work contributed to the patientʼs recovery. Conclusions: Work experience and psychological factors among mental healthcare staff play a significant role in determining the frequency of home visits. Enhancing the quality of mental health work may be achieved through the development of work systems, staff education, and the promotion of recovery-orientation approach.