Trends in outpatient rehabilitation practices in Japan: analysis using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims Open Data

Objective: Many countries have recently established registration databases in the field of rehabilitation to clarify their current status. However, these databases are primarily created for inpatients, with only a few large-scale databases for outpatients. The present study aimed to clarify secular changes, age distribution, and regional disparities in the implementation of outpatient rehabilitation in Japan using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims. Materials and Methods: Using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims Open Data published by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, the number of outpatient rehabilitation units from 2014 to 2018 were extracted and examined. Results: The total number of units for outpatient rehabilitation increased gradually from 2014 to 2018. Orthopedic rehabilitation accounted for more than 80% of the total number of units for outpatient rehabilitation in 2018. The total number of units for outpatient rehabilitation according to age was highest among those in their late 70s, while cerebrovascular and dysphagia rehabilitation had the highest number of units in children. Conclusion: The total number of units for outpatient rehabilitation gradually increased from 2014 to 2018; whereas the number of total units for outpatient rehabilitation according to age was the highest among those in their late 70s. However, cerebrovascular rehabilitation and dysphagia rehabilitation had the highest number of units in children. The implementation status of rehabilitation in each region varied greatly among prefectures, suggesting the need for policy planning to eliminate regional disparities.