The Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy: Novel System to Improve Quality and Safety in Perinatal Care and Mitigate Conflict

Abstract

The Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy was launched in 2009 in response to a shortage of obstetricians and a surge in disputes. The system is characterized by the provision of no-fault compensation, investigation, and prevention. We have certified more than 3000 cerebral palsy cases for compensation and have delivered investigative reports, prevention reports, and educative media for professionals and expectant mothers. We have also produced recapitulation of individual investigative report to be uploaded on the webpage of the system to enhance transparency. The disclosure is reviewed to be consistent with lately revised Personal Information Protection Law in 2020. In order to expand the system by revising eligibility criteria, the system was and will be reviewed in 2015 and 2022. The new criteria that were crafted in ad-hoc committee in 2019–2020 will be applied in 2022 and later. As such, the system has been a significant part of perinatal care delivery system in Japan.