#Japan #Pediatric Care #Tokyo #online consultation #Kids Public

A New Era in Pediatric Healthcare: Successful Online Consultation Model in Japan

In a groundbreaking initiative, Kids Public, a company headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has tackled the pressing issue of pediatrician shortages and geographic disparities in healthcare delivery. On February 15, 2025, the organization launched a pilot program in Hachijo Town, Tokyo, which utilized a collaborative approach involving nurses, specialized devices, and remote pediatricians. This innovative online consultation model, named "Online Pediatric Consultation Using Devices," has garnered significant attention due to its success in meeting the healthcare needs of local families.

The Challenge of Pediatric Healthcare in Hachijo Town

Hachijo Town, located approximately 290 km from Tokyo and home to around 7,000 residents, faces considerable challenges in pediatric healthcare. With a mere one full-time pediatrician covering nearly all medical needs at the local Hachijo Hospital, maintaining a sustainable medical system is daunting. As demand for pediatric expertise grows, especially for conditions like allergies and developmental consultations, the urgency for accessible and quality pediatric care has never been greater.

Innovative Online Consultation Model

The traditional model of online consultations, primarily conducted via smartphones, often falls short in performing crucial examinations such as auscultation and throat inspections, particularly for acute illnesses. In response, the newly implemented model by Kids Public enables trained nurses to utilize specialized devices for collecting vital medical data to support effective remote assessments by pediatricians. This collaboration allows for the delivery of high-quality medical care that approaches the standards of in-person consultations.

Implementation Details

• - Objective: To evaluate the capability of the new model in providing safe and high-quality healthcare amid a shortage of pediatricians.
• - Duration: The pilot program ran over 12 days, from February 15 to March 23, 2025, excluding specific holidays.
• - Location: Hachijo Town Health and Welfare Center.
• - Support Team: Included local nurses proficient in device operations and remote consultations from pediatricians affiliated with "Clinic With Me."
• - Demographics: The program catered to children aged 0-18 residing in Hachijo Town.

Results of the Project

During the pilot phase, the model facilitated 64 online consultations, addressing various health concerns, including acute upper respiratory infections, skin issues, and gastrointestinal complaints. A retrospective evaluation of the consultations conducted by non-attending pediatricians revealed a guideline compliance rate of 97%. Impressively, 83% of the pediatricians felt confident in delivering comparable care to that of face-to-face consultations. Furthermore, no emergency admissions for pediatric patients attributed to missed diagnoses during telehealth visits were reported.

Users overwhelmingly expressed high satisfaction regarding the online consultations, recording a 100% overall satisfaction rate. Comments highlighted the effectiveness of nurse-assisted examinations with specialized devices, which reduced barriers to accessing healthcare for families. Remarkably, 100% of respondents expressed a desire for the continuation of this service.

Community Impact and Future Prospects

Dr. Miki Yokoyama, the only full-time pediatrician in Hachijo Town, recognized the pilot's significant positive impact on local healthcare during the project. During the weekends and holidays of the pilot, emergency visits related to pediatric concerns saw a complete decline, showcasing the model's success in alleviating strain on the existing healthcare infrastructure in the area.

With these promising outcomes, Kids Public aims to extend this remote pediatric healthcare solution to other Japanese municipalities facing similar challenges. As the organization participates in the King Salmon Project, which supports startups aligned with public welfare goals, it plans to promote the model as a viable strategy for enhancing pediatric care access across the nation.

In conclusion, Kids Public is committed to building sustainable pediatric healthcare systems that ensure all children receive the care they need, regardless of where they live. Interested municipal representatives are encouraged to reach out for further collaboration. The project's success showcases a powerful approach to overcoming existing gaps in pediatric healthcare and sets a precedent for similar initiatives nationwide.