Establishing Reliable Healthcare Systems
Empowering Local Communities in Building a Reliable Healthcare System
We are working on creating a healthcare delivery system tailored to rural areas by utilizing the power of "community" and "technology," with a focus on ensuring access to essential healthcare in regions facing a shortage of medical resources.
By implementing a system operated by local residents, we aim to establish an affordable and sustainable mechanism for reliable healthcare that can be relied upon by everyone.
Empowering Local Communities in Healthcare Delivery
1. Local Community Challenges
In Akita Prefecture, where aging and population decline are progressing rapidly, local communities are shrinking, and there is a chronic shortage of personnel to support older adults. Limited transportation options further restrict the living area of seniors, reducing opportunities for going out or accessing medical care, which increases risks for elderly people living alone. In this context, developing systems for the community as a whole to monitor and support the health and well-being of older adults has become increasingly important.
2. Challenges in Community Activities
There is a strong desire to further deepen efforts in community engagement and collaboration.
3. Students’ Challenges
Students at the Akita International University, living in the Akita region, seek opportunities to interact with local residents and to learn about the community’s attractions and challenges. To engage with Akita over the long term, it is important to create environments where students can meet, connect with, and develop genuine interest in the local community.
Leveraging 'Technology' to Support Healthcare Delivery
We are developing a smartphone-based interview app, "ASHAConnect," for community health workers and an electronic health record software, "NepalEHR," for healthcare facilities. Additionally, we are working on constructing a "Common Database" to integrate and store data acquired from ASHAConnect and NepalEHR. By combining these technologies, we aim to facilitate the expansion of healthcare services and provide regionally optimized health and medical services."
1. Regular Visits by University Students
About once a month, a group of 2–3 students visits the community and spends around an hour talking with older adults in their homes.
2. Health and Social Events
Based on the needs and voices of the community identified through home visits, university students take the lead in planning events and gatherings where local residents can come together casually. Events are held at community centers and other local venues, and in collaboration with healthcare professionals, health checks such as blood pressure measurements are provided. Through these gatherings and events, we create spaces where people can enjoy themselves while receiving support for a healthy lifestyle.
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