Discover the Importance of Clinical Attendant Medical Training in Enhancing Patient Experience

The Role of Clinical Attendants in Modern Healthcare

In the fast-evolving landscape of healthcare, enhancing patient experience is more important than ever. Recent data from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reveals that approximately 70% of outpatients in Japan receive medical consultations lasting less than 10 minutes. As healthcare professionals, understanding patient concerns before and after appointments is critical. To address this gap, the Japan Society for Medical Training (JSMT) is offering a CA-M® (Clinical Attendant - Medical) certification course on October 11, 2026, at Showa Women's University in Setagaya, Tokyo, along with an online option via Zoom.

Meeting the Need for Support pre and post Consultation

The quality of healthcare cannot be assessed solely on the duration of consultations. Much of the patient experience occurs outside the consultation room—during the registration process, waiting times, and post-consultation follow-ups. According to the 2023 Patient Behavior Survey by the Ministry, dissatisfaction surrounding waiting times has reached 25.2%—the highest among various outpatient concerns. Yet, the satisfaction level with the interaction involving non-physician staff stands at 63.7%. These insights emphasize the necessity of support roles in healthcare, especially in managing the patient's journey and helping them navigate their anxieties and confusion.

JSMT sees these statistics as a catalyst to promote the importance of teamwork in enhancing patient experiences. Training staff to notice and respond to patients' needs—whether through a simple greeting, accurate wait-time predictions, or confirming their understanding—can significantly improve the overall healthcare experience. This training will move beyond relying on personal dispositions and experiences to a more structured approach that can be shared and adopted across medical institutions.

The Need for Training in an Aging Society

With an increasingly aging population and advancements in home healthcare, there is a pressing need for medical facilities to foster a safe and reassuring atmosphere for patients and their families. In this context, leveraging AI and medical digital transformation (DX) tools becomes vital; training healthcare professionals to recognize subtle changes in patients' expressions and words can enhance their interpersonal support roles. JSMT aims to formalize and disseminate the often unrecognized support roles of receptionists, medical clerks, and nursing assistants into a standardized professional skill set.

What is CA-M®?

The CA-M® certification by JSMT is conceptualized to recognize and formalize the roles that lie at the intersection of healthcare and patient life. Unlike medical licenses that cover diagnostic and treatment activities, the CA-M® certification focuses on personnel who serve as the bridge between medical services and patients.

Participants in the course will learn:

- Strategies and actions to improve the quality of patient interactions.
- Communication techniques to alleviate administrative errors and stress in the workplace.
- Methods to share and replicate insights and considerations observed on the job within their organizations.

Course Details

Participants will engage with experts from diverse fields, gaining insights into healthcare etiquette, communication skills, and understanding their roles.

Lecturers and their topics include:

- Midoriko Creo (CEO of JSMT and Beauty & Wellness Corporation): "Overview of CA-M"
- Mitsu Matsuo (Chairperson of the Japan Dental TC Association): "Why CA is Essential"
- Misaki Yano (Dentist at Gotanda Station Dental Clinic): "Working Effectively as a Bright CA"
- Yuko Kamiishi (Deputy Director of Ebisu Hiro Acupuncture Clinic): "Foundations of Medical Etiquette"
- Yoshiaki Hikita (Author and Communication Consultant): "The Power of Words in Communication"

(Note that the speaking order and content may be subject to change)

Remarks from the Representative Director

“The advancement of AI and medical DX technologies makes the role of understanding emotional cues and confirming understanding even more valuable. We aim to evolve these interactions into a professional skill that can be learned rather than relying solely on goodwill or personal experience. Through CA-M, we're committed to fostering an environment where those who provide care and those who receive it can engage confidently and comfortably.” – Midoriko Creo, Executive Director of JSMT.

Event Overview

- Event Name: Second CA-M® Certification Course
- Date: October 11, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Registration opens at 9:40 AM)
- Location: Showa Women's University, 5th Floor, Building 8, Taishido 1-7-57, Setagaya Ward, Tokyo
- Mode: In-person/Online (Zoom)
- Target Audience: All healthcare staff
- Capacity: 30 participants
- Organized by: JSMT

Registration Fee

All prices include tax:

- JSMT Members

- Registration with certification: ¥35,000 (includes CA-M registration for five years)
- Course attendance only: ¥10,000 (excludes certification)

- General Admission

- Registration with certification: ¥80,000 (includes CA-M registration for five years)
- Course attendance only: ¥50,000 (excludes certification)

- Membership Fee: Joining JSMT incurs a ¥10,000 registration fee and an annual membership fee of ¥5,000.

If a prospective participant joins JSMT and registers for certification at the same time, the total cost will be ¥50,000.

Application Method

To register, please complete the necessary information in the following application form. Be aware that the registration may close once the capacity is reached.
CA-M® Certification Course Application Form

Official JSMT Website

Inquiries for Press Coverage

We welcome inquiries for interviews with the Executive Director and lecturers ahead of the event, as well as requests to capture the workshop in progress and interview participants on the day. Interviews and filming will only proceed with the consent of the involved parties. We provide materials on interpersonal support in the medical DX era, workforce training for receptionists and clerks, patient experience, and medical etiquette, alongside profiles of the Executive Directors and speakers, announcement images, and organizer-provided photos. Online pre-interviews are also available.

About JSMT

The Japan Society for Medical Training (JSMT) is dedicated to supporting the career development of medical professionals and the growth of personnel required by healthcare institutions. By offering a certification that cultivates the role of connecting people with healthcare and caregiving, JSMT creates opportunities for ongoing education and development.