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Ubie and NTT DoCoMo Launch Groundbreaking Obesity Care Project

Ubie, a prominent health tech startup based in Tokyo, has partnered with NTT DoCoMo, Japan's leading telecommunications provider, to initiate an innovative project aimed at improving access to care for potential obesity patients. This collaborative effort, titled the "Obesity Digital Care Model Demonstration Project," signifies a proactive approach to addressing a significant public health challenge in Japan. By merging expertise from digital health and telecommunications sectors, the project seeks to establish a new framework for obesity care that effectively reaches patients in need.

Background of the Initiative

Obesity is categorized as a disease that often requires specialized treatment. However, many potential patients face numerous challenges in accessing appropriate medical care. These include societal stigmas that hinder individuals from seeking help, geographical disparities in the availability of specialized medical facilities, and the prevalence of misleading online health information that drives patients towards inappropriate treatments. These interrelated issues are complex and cannot be effectively tackled by healthcare providers or companies acting alone.

The partners aim to leverage digital channels and behavioral support strategies to facilitate awareness and understanding of obesity, guiding individuals toward the appropriate care they require.

Overview of the Project

The initiative focuses on combining the strengths of each participating company to create a comprehensive care model that facilitates the journey from awareness of obesity to receiving medical consultations. The specific roles of the partners are as follows:

Ubie

• - AI-Powered Support: Ubie will utilize its medical AI partner, "Ubie," to provide empathetic, dialogue-driven insights that help potential patients recognize their health situations.
• - Information Dissemination: Through appropriate information sharing, Ubie will support patients from the moment they acknowledge the possibility of obesity through to consultation with specialized healthcare providers.

NTT DoCoMo

• - Digital Touchpoints: Through everyday digital platforms such as "d Health Care," NTT DoCoMo will focus on building awareness and recognition around obesity care among the general public.

In conjunction with 7-Eleven Japan, the project will also involve placing informational posters in 7-Eleven stores in Fukuoka, where residents can access resources on health and nutrition.

A New Care Model Through Digital and AI Integration

This project promises a unique experience where patients can discover and connect with appropriate medical care at their own pace through familiar touchpoints. The empathetic dialogue facilitated by the AI partner "Ubie" will provide the "initial awareness" needed to connect individuals with essential healthcare resources. The collaboration between sectors enables an innovative care model designed to ensure continuous pathways toward appropriate treatment.

Early data indicate positive outcomes; an initiative in Fukuoka showed that about 80% of participants expressed intentions to seek consultations after utilizing the AI's supportive information. This evidences the potential of AI to contribute significantly to improving patient access to care. The project aims to utilize these findings to seriously engage in broader, nationwide implementations as it evolves.

Future Outlook: From Fukuoka to Nationwide Implementation

Initially focusing on Fukuoka, the project intends to gradually roll out the established care model across Japan. The collaborative effort between digital health and telecommunications sectors seeks to create innovative solutions to the challenge of improving obesity care access. The ultimate goal is to foster a society where every individual can recognize their health challenges, connect with necessary services, and continue their treatment journey effectively.

About Ubie, Inc.

Founded in May 2017 by a group of physicians and engineers, Ubie's mission is to "unleash medical intentions through technology." This health tech startup leverages AI to develop services aimed at guiding individuals to appropriate healthcare options. By providing solutions like "Ubie" and supporting the enhancement of medical practice quality, Ubie is committed to promoting a society where everyone has access to personalized healthcare services.

Location: 4-5F, Nihonbashi Life Science Building, 8-4 Nihonbashi Honcho 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0023
Official Website: ubie.life