Dementia Japan 30:59-66, 2016

Role of the doctor as a member of the Initial-phase Intensive Support Team (IPIST) for dementia

Naoto Kobayashi

Azuma Street Clinic

As a doctor working at a medical center for patients with dementia, the author has been involved in an Initial-phase Intensive Support Team (IPIST) assigned within a clinic.  Because this team operates within the clinic, we have been able to provide consultations to approximately 80% of the patients.  Many of these consulting patients were living alone or with other elderly people, and had moderate-to-severe dementia.  It is necessary to nurture an environment in which we are able to obtain specialists' prompt and appropriate advice on individuals who have visited or been assessed by the IPIST.

Address correspondence to Dr. Naoto Kobayashi, Azuma Street Clinic (1F, Matsugaoka Bldg. 1-28 Sakaemachi, Fukushima 960-8031, Japan)