Social accountability across cultures, does the concept translate? An explorative discussion with primary care colleagues in Japan

ABSTRACT

This article sets out to explore and clarify the concept of social accountability in a global health context. It examines some of the cross-cultural challenges when translating social accountability across healthcare systems with specific reference to Japanese primary care. Finally, the role of social accountability in postgraduate education and medical professionalism will be considered with practical recommendations focusing on education and training in primary care.

KEYWORDS:

• Primary care
• social accountability
• family physician
• postgraduate medical education
• cultural competency

Acknowledgments

Enormous thanks and gratitude to Professor Ryuki Kassai for the invaluable advice and proofreading in the preparation of this manuscript.

Disclosure statement

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and ethical obligation as a researcher, Dr Noriyuki Takahashi is reporting that he belongs to a department funded by Aichi prefecture and Nagoya city in Japan, that may be affected by the research reported in the enclosed paper. Dr Noriyuki Takahashi has disclosed those interests fully to Taylor & Francis, and he has in place an approved plan for managing any potential conflicts arising from that involvement.