Using AI to Resolve Japan's Healthcare Problems

Technological advancements in the field of medicine are gaining more momentum in Japan. The use of AI in diagnoses and healthcare provisions are being explored and funded with a projected worth of $114 million by the year 2027 as per the World Economic Forum. As such, this development is regarded as a major undertaking that will further the facilitation of health and medical services in the country.  

Japan’s health sector took a hit during the pandemic, revealing the nation’s unpreparedness for an overwhelming influx of patients and medical issues. Despite their modern medical equipment and facilities, hospital IT and the workforce could not keep up with the demands of the people. The decline of Japanese healthcare providers, as shown in a 2022 report from Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, is an issue being closely guarded by officials. With this fear forecast to ring true by 2040, it is high time that advancements in the field of healthcare, specifically the use of AI, are made.   

AI for Japan medical care has been extremely helpful in facilitating care for patients who are not able to access providers and hospitals. Now that the value of this technology has been realized, it assists in self-diagnosis, monitoring health status, trends, and mobilities, automation of appointments and remedial plans, and even detecting virus threats and diseases. 

Furthermore, advancements in technology aid in the development of new medicines and medical devices. Here are some noteworthy examples of AI being integrated into Japan’s healthcare system:

Lagging Hospital IT is deemed as an issue that Japan is facing in terms of providing healthcare for its people according to Dr. Yusuke Nakamura. He revealed that nurses spend more of their time updating patient records instead of facilitating person-to-person care. As such, the vision is to create an AI-powered record-keeping system that keeps patient information up to date, records consultations with doctors, and extends beyond one hospital. For example, a recent development in patient care for acute ischemic stroke in Japan uses a database connected with regional stroke centers in the country so that triage and information sharing are easier across providers.   

Japan healthcare also optimizes AI for faster and smoother patient diagnosis. Recent advancements have used image training for AI tools to recognize illnesses in individuals. This can be seen in the detection of cancer, influenza, and heart diseases among patients, with thousands of images supplied from various hospital records to successfully make a medical call. It is reported that these AI tools have proven to have at least an accuracy of 94% and can diagnose based on the reviewed data in a matter of seconds.   

The use of AI for hospital and workforce support can be seen through technology that offers basic healthcare support and aids nurses in emergency triage, registration, and administrative guidance. Robots powered by AI systems can help in collection and navigation when equipped with arms, cameras, and even wheels. Such developments also assist in drug dispensation, assistance for PET scans, reduction of radiation for radiology technicians during work, and aiding patients to stay still during CT scans.  

This exciting venture, however helpful, is not without challenges. Approvals for AI devices and systems may take a year or more, and even for slight updates or changes made to previously approved technologies, it can also take the same time frame to be authorized for use. Additionally, healthcare providers find it challenging to acquire insurance for these AI tools.  

However, such difficulties did not dissuade the Japanese medical sector. Various plans were put into action to further these advancements in healthcare. A 16-piece consortium was formed to expedite testing and approval of AI systems and devices, private and public entities are collaborating to innovate tools, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has expressed their explicit support of this endeavor.  

It is truly an exciting future for Japanese healthcare, especially in the face of its decline and challenges. The use of AI in providing medical services is not only a testament to the country’s ingenuity, but also to the capability of its people to come together and secure everyone’s welfare and health.