Murayama Hiroshi, Narabu Harumi, Kojima Tomoko, Tomaru Meiko, Tachibana Reiko, Yamaguchi Takuhiro, Murashima Sachiyo
Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology.
Nihon Koshu Eisei Zasshi. 2010 Oct;57(10):900-8.
To develop a program that promotes network building between disciplinary agencies and informal community organizations (RIO) comprising community residents.
Questionnaire and interview surveys were conducted for the staff of a community comprehensive support center in order to assess the needs regarding network building with ICOs. Then, a program was developed based on the social cognitive theory. The aim of the program was to raise awareness about network building and to develop necessary skills.
The program induded ten sessions, with themes encompassing "reviewing the past activities", "understanding the significance of network building with IGOs", "integrating the aims and visions of staff", and "learning ways to build networks with IGOs". Objectives of each session were set on the basis of the particular theme covered. Participants performed group work during the sessions.
Establishment and actual implementation of programs in clinical practice could be expected to strengthen networking between disciplinary agencies and ICOs. It is necessary to implement programs and evaluate their effectiveness in the future.
