Author:Author unknown, Issue: December 1999, Topic: Medical

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve life for foreign researchers in Tsukuba, the Tsukuba International Network (made up of representatives from numerous institutes and other organizations with an interest in the international community) has commissioned the Alien Times to collect information through a questionnaire on people's experiences with the medical system. Please take a few minutes to respond to the following questions as appropriate to your situation. We hope to get a better feel for the specific problems faced by non-Japanese speaking persons as they utilize the system. Where appropriate, please fill in specifics.

1. Have you been to a hospital or clinic here in Tsukuba?
2. If so, how did you choose that particular hospital or clinic?
3. Did you have problems locating the hospital or clinic?
4. Did you have problems understanding the system in that hospital or clinic? (for example, filling out forms, getting in line, etc.)
5. Did you experience difficulties communicating with the staff?
6. Did you experience difficulties communicating with the doctor?
7. Have you or your family members been hospitalized in Tsukuba? If yes, did you have any significant problems?
8. Have you experienced difficulties at the pharmacy concerning your medication?
9. Have you experienced problems with your health insurance?
10. When you go to a hospital or clinic, do you usually bring someone who can speak Japanese with you?
11. Are there any hospitals or clinics you feel you can recommend? (Please include the reasons; they speak good English, friendly, etc.)
12. Are there any hospitals or clinics you feel people should stay away from? (Please include the reasons)
13. Would you find it useful if there were a telephone service in English which could direct you to hospitals and clinics? If yes, what sort of services would you like to see be made available?
14. Would you find it useful if there were a service which provided interpreters to go with you to hospitals or clinics?
15. Would you be willing to pay for such service or would you only use it if it were free?
16. What do you think would be a reasonable price for such service?

Any other comments welcome.

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The International Women's Network (IWN) is a group of women who enjoy chatting with people from all over the world. We hold a monthly potluck dinner where we exchange information about the local community while eating a variety of foods. No reservation is needed to attend the potluck. Just bring one dish of food and show up at the meeting. Newcomers are always welcome! Take advantage of this unique opportunity to enjoy the international city of Tsukuba with us!

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