About Us

Mission

This research group consists of researchers at six National Centers (6NCs). Our most important mission is to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and policy evaluation by providing necessary information for policy research and proposals using anonymous claims information and a specific health checkup information database, the National Database (NDB).

The policy advocacy function of the 6NCs

Each of the 6NCs* is expected to make policy proposals for specific essential diseases from clinical practice, research, and human resource development perspectives. For the prevention and control of these diseases, the NCs are also expected to continuously investigate and analyze diseases in cooperation with related organizations and predict and announce future trends and countermeasures.

Therefore, this research team will continue to provide necessary information for health policy planning in Japan through health policy research using the NDB.

Building an Ongoing Information Infrastructure Using the NDB

The NDB is a database of electronic claims information related to insured medical treatment in Japan created and managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) based on the “Act on Securing Medical Care for the Elderly,” which is an essential source of information for conducting policy research and making proposals on diseases. By building an information infrastructure for health policy research through cooperation among researchers in 6NCs, the number of prevalent cases of important diseases under the jurisdiction of each NC and other information will be analyzed and disclosed continuously.

Development of NDB Research and Human Resources

There are difficulties in applying procedures and data handling when using the NDB, which requires knowledge of the healthcare system, actual clinical practice, and statistical analysis methods. This study aims to conduct NDB data analysis for each significant disease in a quality-assured manner by sharing know-how and deepening discussions among the 6NCs.

In addition, for the future development of NDB research, we will compile important information and tools to conduct claims research and provide and share information in a form that can be used not only by the 6NCs but also by other research institutions. We also aim to develop human resources that will use the NDB to conduct research that contributes to healthcare policy.