Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40835895›Full record

ArticleInternational journal of emergency medicine2025

Comparative analysis of emergency medical systems in the UK and Japan: recommendations for Japan based on on-site observations in the UK.

Kazuhiko Omori, Paul Vulliamy, Chris Aylwin, Hiroki Nagasawa, Shigenori Kan, Jiro Takahashi, Noriaki Yamada, Ross Davenport

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in International journal of emergency medicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Kazuhiko OmoriDepartment of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan. koomori@juntendo.ac.jp.
Paul VulliamyCentre for Trauma Sciences, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
Chris AylwinCentre for Trauma Sciences, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
Hiroki NagasawaDepartment of Acute Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan.
Shigenori KanDepartment of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan.
Jiro TakahashiDepartment of Acute Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan.
Noriaki YamadaDepartment of Emergency Medicine, Matsunami General Hospital, Gifu, Japan.
Ross DavenportCentre for Trauma Sciences, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.

Funding

Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation B150
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundEmergency Medical Systems (EMS) are central to modern healthcare, providing timely, specialized care. Although the United Kingdom (UK) and Japan have universal healthcare, their EMS models differ significantly. The UK emphasizes centralized trauma networks, advanced prehospital capabilities, standardized simulation training, robust research integration, and a high degree of specialization and division of labor. Japan’s EMS prioritizes accessibility through a tiered system and regional autonomy. Both systems face workforce sustainability issues and documentation inefficiencies. This study provides recommendations for enhancing Japan’s EMS by examining the UK system through on-site observations.

methodsA qualitative observational study was conducted during a four-day site visit in May 2024 to key EMS institutions in London, including the Royal London Hospital Major Trauma Center, the London Air Ambulance, and allied educational and research facilities. Five Japanese emergency physicians with expertise in trauma care, ICU management, simulation-based training, and prehospital emergency services participated. Data collection included direct clinical observations, structured discussions with UK clinicians and administrators, and a review of institutional guidelines. Thematic analysis identified strengths, weaknesses, and potential applicability to Japan.

resultsIn the UK, EMS leverages division of labor, specialization, centralization, and standardization to ensure efficient, high-quality care. Trauma networks, robust simulation-based education, integrated ICU management, and advanced HEMS systems are supported by unified research frameworks. However, workforce inefficiencies in staff allocation persist. Applying UK insights to Japan includes establishing dedicated trauma centers, standardizing care protocols, integrating systems, and enhancing research culture. Some strategies, such as integrated prehospital services, face feasibility challenges in Japan due to staffing issues.

conclusionOn-site observations of the UK’s EMS highlight organizational efficiency and the benefits of integrated, specialized care. Incorporating UK-inspired frameworks could strengthen Japan’s EMS, especially by unifying systems and centralizing trauma care. Ongoing international collaboration and further comparative research are crucial for advancing global EMS practices.

trial registrationNot applicable.

Indexed as

Air ambulancesEducation medicalEmergency medical servicesHealth services researchQualitative researchTrauma centers

Identifiers

PMID40835895
PMCPMC12366188

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.