Collaboration between university hospitals and local medical communities in Japan evaluated by a questionnaire among doctors

Background:   To provide quality medical service in a society with many elderly, university hospitals should clearly define their roles and contribute to the establishment of an integrated, comprehensive medical system.
Methods:   In this study, we conducted a questionnaire survey of doctors working at Kyoto University Hospital and at private practices in Kyoto about their attitude toward collaboration between the university hospital and private practices and asked their opinions on the role of university hospitals in the local medical community.
Results:   The survey showed that doctors both at the university hospital and in private practice regarded close collaboration as important, but also highlighted obstacles and problems that block collaboration.
Conclusion:   Overcoming these problems and constructing collaboration models will be a key for university hospitals to fully contribute to establishing a quality medical system.