#Japan #Infection Control #Obihiro #SAVE! Board Game #JA Hokkaido

Board Games as a Learning Tool in Infection Control

In late 2025, the JA Hokkaido Tokachi Hospital in Obihiro, Hokkaido, hosted the "Regional Medical ICT Conference and Joint Training for Emerging Infectious Diseases." This event, marking its third year, gathered nearly 100 healthcare professionals from 39 facilities across the Tokachi region, aiming to enhance regional infection control and strengthen collaboration in the face of emerging infectious diseases and disasters. The push for this initiative arose from the heightened awareness of risk faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Significance of the Initiative

As articulated by Dr. Takamura, Deputy Director of Obihiro Kousei Hospital and head of the Infection Control Division, the 2019 global pandemic underscored the critical importance of regional collaboration in healthcare. He noted, "Without collaboration among facilities with different levels of infection control accreditation, we won’t be prepared for future emerging infectious diseases. This conference is a vital step to strengthen regional infection control."

Background of the Conference

This collaborative training is part of the requirements established by the 2022 reimbursement reform for healthcare services, mandating joint conferences focusing on regional collaboration. Partnering throughout the Tokachi region, facilities with Level 1 accreditation (such as Obihiro Kousei Hospital and others) collectively organized this initiative. The restructuring patterns have evolved to ensure a more comprehensive and swift response, dividing the Tokachi region into four distinct areas for better management of infectious diseases and disasters. This system also supports follow-ups for vulnerable facilities through collaboration with health centers and local medical associations.

Gamified Learning with the 'SAVE!' Initiative

This year's conference shifted away from traditional lecture formats to emphasize practical dialogue among participants. An Infection Control Nurse (ICN) involved in organizing the conference stated, "Given the diversity of participating facilities and professions, creating content that satisfies everyone was a significant challenge."

To overcome this, they introduced the interactive and competitive gamification tool "SAVE!" This educational resource encourages participants to discuss practical responses to infection control scenarios within their teams.

Objectives and Effects:

• - Title: 'SAVE!' (Learn More)
• - Format: Participatory gamification (team competition)
• - Goals: Move beyond basic knowledge acquisition to foster team discussions and deepen understanding across various professions.
• - Results: Even participants who met for the first time engaged in lively discussions. For instance, during a training session for handling Norovirus patient waste, discussions surged even after revealing the 'correct' answers, with participants exploring more practical approaches directly related to the field.

The ICN highlighted the importance of dialogue in deepening understanding, expressing a desire to translate this enthusiasm into increased face-to-face meetings rather than just virtual ones, indicating that gamification was a key factor in enhancing regional cooperation.

Future Outlook

The ICN team has drawn clear prospects for enhancing regional cooperation through these conferences. Their future vision encompasses a broader collaboration not only among hospitals but also with Level 2 and 3 facilities, especially focusing on connections and guidance to senior care centers to uplift the entire region's infection control standards. The ultimate aim is to create a system where "anyone can carry out infection control measures consistently across facilities."

Closing Remarks: A Unified Commitment

In his closing address, Dr. Inaba, the president of the Obihiro Medical Association, delivered a compelling message about the initiative's significance, stating, "Infection control cannot thrive through the efforts of a single facility. Only through the joint efforts of many healthcare institutions and professionals in the Tokachi region can we protect our community. We are committed to continuing this collaborative conference in the years ahead to safeguard the residents of Obihiro."

This collective training represents a pivotal step towards enhancing infection control in the Tokachi region and establishing a stronger framework to manage emerging infectious diseases, which is crucial for the sustainability of community healthcare.

About Moraine Corporation

Moraine Corporation specializes in infection control consulting and product introduction, established in 1993 with the goal of protecting people from healthcare-associated infections. They provide a wide range of infection prevention solutions and operational support, collaborating with over 70% of designated infectious disease medical facilities nationwide.

Contact Information:

• - Representative: Koji Kusaba (CEO)
• - Location: 3F Unison Mall, 5-1-1 Higashi Nakano, Nakano, Tokyo, Japan
• - Founded: 1993
• - Website: Visit Moraine
• - Press Inquiries Contact: Takayuki Sugiyama, Public Relations Group, Moraine Corporation, Mobile: 090-5320-4343, Email: [email protected]