Remote Healthcare Revolution in Goto Islands
In a groundbreaking move for healthcare accessibility, MUSVI Corporation has partnered with Goto Hospital in Nagasaki Prefecture to implement the telepresence system "Mado" for online medical consultations beginning this fall. This initiative aims to bridge the healthcare gap in remote islands and emphasizes MUSVI's commitment to improving medical access in underprivileged regions.
The project focuses on the Goto Islands' only regional core hospital, Goto Hospital, along with affiliated clinics – Narao Medical Center and Arikawa Medical Center. By installing the "Mado" system in these three facilities, the collaboration enables patients and doctors to engage as if they are meeting face-to-face, creating a seamless remote consultation environment. This innovative approach not only surmounts geographical barriers but also enhances regular check-ups and interactions with specialists, solidifying a close-knit cooperation between the three healthcare institutions.
Goto Hospital's Vision
As emphasized by the hospital's director, Dr. Kuninori Ichimiya, the "Mado" system allows for online diagnoses that closely resemble in-person consultations. This is particularly beneficial for the elderly population in the area. Moreover, it connects patients living in nursing facilities with their healthcare providers, paving the way for improved medical services and reducing the burden on healthcare staff.
Goto Hospital plays a critical role in delivering high-quality medical services as the only facility in the region with hospitalization capabilities. It addresses a wide range of medical needs, from acute to chronic care, rehabilitation, and preventive healthcare. By collaborating with two affiliated clinics and sharing electronic medical records, Goto Hospital has established a medical environment that caters to residents from various areas of the island. The community faces significant challenges, including a declining population, aging demographics, and a shortage of healthcare professionals, making an improved collaborative system a pressing need.
MUSVI's Commitment to Regional Healthcare
Yuusuke Sakai, CEO of MUSVI, expresses excitement over utilizing the "Mado" system to support Goto Hospital's online medical services and strengthen ties with the medical centers. By transcending distance constraints, MUSVI aims to invigorate local communities across Japan.
Unlike conventional video calls, the "Mado" system delivers an immersive experience, transferring not only the visuals of the interaction but also the ambiance of the space, thereby minimizing psychological barriers between patients and healthcare professionals. This dynamic interaction promises to enhance both the patient and provider experiences.
Looking ahead, MUSVI and Goto Hospital intend to deepen their cooperative relationship even further. The scope of collaboration will extend beyond routine consultations to include remote assessments during emergencies at elderly facilities and partnerships with urban specialists for advanced care. Additionally, they plan to utilize the "Mado" system as a tool for visiting medical services and nursing support, aiming to fortify the overall healthcare system across the region.
This initiative symbolizes a leap towards innovative healthcare solutions, marrying technology and compassion to ensure that even the most remote communities benefit from quality healthcare. With arenas of possibility opening up, the vision nurtured by MUSVI and Goto Hospital could very well become a model for remote healthcare solutions across various regions in Japan and beyond.
About the Telepresence System "Mado"
The telepresence system "Mado" is an advanced communication technology developed over 20 years by Sony Group. It provides a sense of realism indistinguishable from face-to-face interactions with a remarkable lack of latency. This capability allows for genuine connections to be formed, regardless of distance, and has been applied in over 200 organizations across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and municipal services, contributing significantly to numerous projects and operations.
The future looks promising as MUSVI and Goto Hospital lead the way in transforming healthcare on remote islands, showcasing the power of innovation in addressing societal needs.