Long-Term Outcomes and Enabling Factors of Integrated Care in a Rural Aging Community in Japan: A Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: Japan faces one of the world's most rapidly aging populations, particularly in rural and mountainous regions. Since 2003, Japan has promoted the Community-based Integrated Care System, yet implementation and outcomes vary by region. This study aimed to explore the long-term outcomes and enabling factors of integrated care in a highly aged, depopulated rural town. METHODS: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted with eight healthcare and welfare professionals involved in long-standing community care in Nichinan Town, Tottori Prefecture. Participants were selected via convenience and snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using the Steps for Coding and Theorization (SCAT) method. RESULTS: Three main categories were identified: (1) effects of long-term integrated care, including the development of a culture of information sharing and improved interprofessional collaboration; (2) enabling factors, such as the central role of the Integrated Community Care Support Center, physician participation in case conferences, and the structured sharing of good practices; and (3) contextual challenges, such as workforce shortages, evolving care needs, and limited informal support. CONCLUSION: Sustained integrated care in aging rural communities can foster effective interprofessional collaboration and enhance care quality. A neutral coordinating entity such as the ICCS Center, along with regular sharing of practical case outcomes, may play a vital role in maintaining long-term integration. These findings offer insights for other aging, underserved regions aiming to implement or strengthen integrated care systems.