#Japan #Osaka #eWeLL #iBow #Today's Therapy Drugs

eWeLL Collaborates with Nankodo

In a landmark initiative, eWeLL, based in Osaka, has announced a collaborative research venture with Nankodo, aimed at advancing the quality and efficiency of at-home healthcare for patients through digital transformation (DX). This innovative partnership will leverage eWeLL's specialized electronic medical record software, iBow, and Nankodo's established 'Today's Therapy Drugs WEB' service. Research is set to begin in February 2025, targeting over 60,000 home healthcare professionals across Japan.

Addressing Common Queries in Home Healthcare

During visits, home healthcare nurses frequently encounter patients asking, "What medication is this?" Given the nature of their work, which often involves frequent interactions with patients, nurses in home healthcare are not only caregivers but also sources of information and reassurance. As they provide vital assistance through both nursing and support in medical tasks, they often face numerous inquiries regarding medications. However, since medication management is primarily the responsibility of pharmacists and not all nurses possess extensive pharmaceutical knowledge, having instant access to drug information during patient interactions is crucial. Such accessibility enhances the quality of care and fosters peace of mind for patients and their families.

The Growing Importance of Medication Information in Home Care

Recognizing these field needs, eWeLL has prioritized the inclusion of medication information in iBow. They assert that in an era where home healthcare's legal framework is evolving and the demand for quality care is increasing, caregivers must have access to quality drug information. This integration is seen as essential for the future of providing high-quality local medical services.

Regulatory Background: Strengthening Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration

With proposed changes in medical remuneration policies for the upcoming fiscal year, significant enhancements to medication monitoring processes in home healthcare are anticipated. Under new operational guidelines, home healthcare nurses will be required to maintain comprehensive and accurate records of patients' medications, including leftover pills. This data is to be communicated to the primary physician to ensure appropriate medical management. Thus, nurses are expected to actively partake in medication management, working collaboratively with pharmacists when necessary to tackle polypharmacy issues and organize leftover medications. The emphasis on medication oversight illustrates the central role of nurses in ensuring the safety and comfort of home care recipients.

Practical Implications: Early Detection of Side Effects and Caregivers' Peace of Mind

Understanding medication information accurately contributes significantly to preserving the quality of life for home-care patients. By being present in a patient's living environment, nurses can quickly recognize any changes in their condition and communicate with physicians or pharmacists accordingly. Collaborating with pharmacists helps reinforce proper medication administration, alleviating family members' burdens concerning medication management and delivery. Through this synergistic approach, the integration of pharmacists' expertise with nurses’ observational skills is key to achieving high-level collaborative medical care while providing high-quality medication information in the home healthcare sector.

Elevating the Standard of Drug Information

To effectively provide drug information, it must be of the highest quality—accurate, comprehensible, and up-to-date. eWeLL recognizes that since its first edition in 1977, 'Today's Therapy Drugs' has been a pivotal resource, extensively used across clinical settings, making it the best fit to meet present needs. The information provided—a mix of product names, generic names, classifications, indications, dosages, and characteristics—is continually updated. The ease of integrating this service with electronic medical records has proven to be a decisive factor.

With distinctive icons to clearly represent drug characteristics, 'Today's Therapy Drugs WEB' aims to provide an easily navigable format for users familiar with the printed version.

Moving Forward: Partnership to Enhance Home Healthcare

Looking ahead, the two companies are aiming for a full integration by 2026. Comments from the leaders of both eWeLL and Nankodo underscore the significance of this initiative.

Kenta Kodate, President of Nankodo: _“Home healthcare plays an essential role in enabling patients to receive care at home comfortably, and improving its quality and sustainability is a pivotal societal issue. We're excited to unite our expertise in drug information with eWeLL’s innovative platform for nursing efficiency.”_

Norito Nakano, President of eWeLL: _“We aspire to create an environment where nurses can seamlessly and confidently utilize the information they need, enhancing the standard of care for home patients.”_

About Nankodo and eWeLL

Nankodo, established in 1879, has been a specialized publisher focused on disseminating medical knowledge and advancing the practice of healthcare. With a focus on educational resources for healthcare professionals, Nankodo has expanded into digital services to adapt to the evolving medical landscape.

eWeLL, founded in 2012, operates on a mission to enhance home healthcare through digital solutions. Their offerings include the iBow electronic medical record system and other tools designed to streamline care processes. Representing the nexus of experience and innovation, both organizations embody a commitment to enhancing the quality of patient care in Japan.