On January 22^nd, 2021, the MHLW held the 7th "Study Group on the Establishment of a Community-based Integrated Care System which also Supports Persons with Mental Illness". In February 2017, the “Study group on the Future of Mental Health, Medical Care, and Welfare” suggested the further promotion of multi-layered cooperation among parties related to the care of persons with mental disorders. In response to this suggestion, the above-mentioned study group was created and has held meetings since March 18^th, 2020. It has discussed various issues, such as consultation services in local governments, the medical functions required for psychiatric care, awareness raising, community mental health, the current status of and issues for medical care and disability welfare services, cooperation in the field of medical care and social welfare for housing support, the involvement of persons with disabilities and their families, peer support, social participation (including employment issues), human resource development, etc. At this meeting, a report on the development of the psychiatric emergency medical system was submitted by the working group. The report mentions the following aspects of the system required for psychiatric emergency medical care under the community-based integrated care system.

1. Preparation for an emergency response to acute exacerbation of mental symptoms etc. through multi-layered cooperation in the community-based integrated care system.
2. Development of a pre-examination consultation system
3. Expansion of opportunities for out-of-hospital medical care
4. Improvements to the inpatient medical care system
5. Increased coordination and cooperation with the emergency medical care system for psychiatric disorders

For further information, please visit the following link (Japanese only): https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/shingi/other-syougai_322988_00007.html