#Japan #Emergency Medical Services #Okayama #Okayama University #Digital Health Notebook

Introduction

Okayama University, a prominent institution located in Okayama City, has recently undertaken a pivotal survey as part of the Cabinet Office's initiative aimed at advancing innovative services, specifically focusing on the implementation of a Digital Health Notebook. This initiative, aimed at all generations, is significant in the pursuit of integrated digital healthcare solutions.

Survey Overview

The university has been actively involved in a project under the Cabinet Office’s strategic framework, particularly in the context of the Digital Rural Health District. The project, which began in January 2021, is a collaborative effort with Kibichuo Town, recognized as an innovative national strategic special area. The primary objective of the survey is to promote the establishment of a futuristic city concept—specifically the Kibikogen City Super City Initiative—which envisions a safe and engaging urban environment for residents.

The key focus areas of this project include expanding the role of emergency medical technicians, digitizing maternal and child health information, and systematically accumulating health records within the Personal Health Record (PHR) framework. These regulatory reforms are among the core projects driven by the Cabinet Office.

Key Findings

The survey has yielded several noteworthy insights. Notably, the application of oral microbiota data is indicated to enhance dental health guidance effectiveness. Additionally, a program aimed at improving walking posture has shown promise in alleviating pelvic pain and lower back pain among women, presenting a novel approach to preventive healthcare.

Future Directions

Following the publication of the survey report, Okayama University plans to strengthen inter-municipality data collaboration and push forward with regulatory reforms. The university aims to assist as a pivotal institution for clinical research and bridge research support, thereby accelerating the societal implementation of cutting-edge healthcare services.

Project Specifics

The survey, led by Dr. Masaki Ito from the newly established Medical Research and Development Center, evaluated the implementation of the Digital Health Notebook. This tool integrates multiple applications related to health and medical care, enabling users, especially younger generations, to easily access their health-related information.

Field Trials

1. Application in Dental Health: Research in this domain involved the analysis of salivary microbiota among multi-generational family groups, assessing how these findings could be applied to dental health guidance using the Digital Health Notebook.

2. Posture Improvement for Pain Management: This aspect of the research involved trials aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of walking posture improvements on symptoms related to lower back and pelvic pain in women. The trials included a detailed posture guidance program and employed motion capture technology to analyze movement and symptom changes.

Collaborative Efforts

The project has been conducted in collaboration with several organizations, including M3, Fujitsu Ltd., and Sonae Corporation. Moreover, specialists from Hokkaido University and the Posture Walking Association have provided research support throughout the initiative.

Conclusion

Continuing its legacy as a distinguished university, Okayama University remains committed to innovating and implementing significant advancements in healthcare that align with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By fostering health technological integration, the university aims to create a resilient healthcare landscape for generations to come. Stay tuned for more updates on Okayama University’s groundbreaking initiatives as they pave the way for a healthier future.