[Training needs of community comprehensive support center staff to strengthen community-based integrated care]

Objectives　Extending healthy life expectancy represents a critical public health priority in Japan. Achieving this goal requires Community Comprehensive Support Center (CCSC) staff to develop competencies in building and managing community-based integrated care systems that promote mutual resident support. This study aimed to identify training challenges and future needs related to community development among CCSC staff nationwide.Methods　Focus group interviews (FGIs) were conducted with CCSC staff. Verbatim transcripts underwent thematic analysis to extract and categorize staff-identified training needs.Results　Twenty-four staff members (mean age: 44.6 years; seven public health nurses, eight care managers, six social workers, one occupational therapist, one physical therapist, one nurse) from five CCSCs (two directly managed, three commissioned) participated in the study. Analysis of the FGI transcripts yielded 132 codes organized into five categories: (1) fostering resident independence, mutual support relationships, and community acceptance to establish integrated care systems; (2) advancing community activities using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle; (3) developing skills to secure community resources and engage in continuous self-improvement; (4) enhancing skills to support individuals with complex, challenging problems; and (5) promoting inclusive society by addressing regional disparities.Conclusion　CCSC staff require enhanced skills in fostering resident independence and mutual support to reduce regional disparities and promote social inclusion. Findings emphasize the need for practical, on-the-job training methods, including case studies, to strengthen data-driven PDCA implementation and improve ethical decision-making in complex cases. Developing and implementing targeted training programs is essential to address identified needs and effectively advance community-based integrated care systems.