A Classification Method for General Medicine Physicians to Advance Field Research in Japan

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Health Services Research
• Physician Classification

Background:

• General medicine physicians in Japan have diverse, undefined roles.
• A clear definition, like "hospitalists" in the US, is needed for research.
• Systematic classification is crucial for advancing general medicine evidence in Japan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a systematic classification method for general medicine physicians in Japan.
• To establish a framework for objective evaluation of physician roles.
• To facilitate research and evidence accumulation in general medicine.

Main Methods:

• Discussions with experienced hospital-based general medicine physicians.
• Literature review on physician roles and classification.
• Development of a classification based on four key indicators.

Main Results:

• A proposed classification method based on four indicators: physician maldistribution, inpatient care contribution, clinical content, and education.
• The indicators consider physician characteristics, patient populations, and environments.
• This method allows objective evaluation of general medicine physician practices.

Conclusions:

• The proposed classification can form the basis for future research on general medicine physicians.
• It enables understanding physician characteristics and comparing roles across different settings.
• Further validation is necessary to refine and advance evidence in general medicine.