CONTROL OF CHRONIC DISEASES USING A CHECK SHEET ON A REMOTE ISLAND

•Introduction and Objective Continuity may be low at medical facilities where doctors alternate frequently, especially in remote islands. Such lack of continuity may have adverse effects on management of patients with chronic diseases. On Minamidaito island, we tried to use a check sheet containing examination and inspection items of the chronic diseases, in order to improve the quality of chronic disease control. •Method Action research. Examination categories included: lifestyle, comprehensive geriatric assessment, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, cerebrovascular disease, chronic heart disease, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Every two months, we determined how many patients fit into each category. We then determined what our achievement rate was by dividing the number of patients in that category that were assessed by the total numbers of patients in the same category. Discussion with staff was held to improve the interventions. The discussions were analyzed qualitatively. •Results and Conclusions There were 311 patients in the clinic that were seen regularly. The achievement rates of diabetes care and comprehensive geriatric assessment especially improved. Intervention with patients was assessed, not only as a sense of security and accomplishment, but also as to staff’s anxiety from increase of work. The use of a check sheet may lead to staff’s satisfaction that medical care is improving and that they are in better control of chronic disease. It is also important that there is the consensus among staff through dialogue.