[Medical and Welfare Support for Intractable Disease in Japan]

Support measures for intractable diseases in Japan began in 1972 and, since 2015, have been implemented under the Act on Medical Care for Patients with Intractable Diseases. This article provides an overview of key activities and achievements of designated research groups that contribute to intractable disease policy, focusing on (1)challenges in developing healthcare delivery systems; (2)rehabilitation for patients with intractable diseases; (3)the roles of Intractable Disease Consultation and Support Centers and public health centers at the community level; (4)intractable disease care management by certified care managers; (5)support for balancing work and medical treatment; (6)inter facility and inter-professional collaboration, including disability welfare services; (7)ensuring the quality of home-visit nursing; (8)disaster preparedness; and (9)the development of e-learning environments for training human resources engaged in intractable disease support.