Elucidating multi-disciplinary and inter-agency collaboration process for coordinated elderly care: A case study of a Japanese care access center

Abstract

This study compares the process of inter-agency collaboration among multi-disciplinary agencies within Japan as they work to provide wellcoordinated care for the elderly through a Community Care Access Center (CCAC). Using the KJ method, also known as an “affinity diagram”, in two group meetings (before and after CCAC establishment) with practitioners and administrators from 6 agencies in the city of Kakegawa, Japan. 521 comments by agencies were coded into 37 categories. In comparing the comments from the two meetings, the portion of negative comments regarding organization management decreased, while comments on the shared problems of the CCAC increased. A multiple correspondence analysis indicated that the 6 agencies shared a greater awareness of issues after the establishment of the CCAC, but the problems pointed out by the visiting nurses agency differed from those of the other agencies.