Project News

On 22 February 2022, the 3rd online training on "Improvement of Seamless Service for Older Adults - Lessons learned from experience in Thailand and Japan" was held at Amari Don Muang Airport Hotel in Bangkok. The training program started with opening remarks by relevant organizations including MSDHS, NHSO, MOPH, JICA Thailand and S-TOP project. 22 participants from 7 main pilot sites and 2 potential settings of S-TOP attended the meeting in-person at the venue. The training was conducted in a hybrid way, with main participants attending from the venue in Bangkok, whereas most of lecturers and observers, from Japan and other distant locations, participating online.

1st Day: 22 February 2022

In the morning, Dr. Akinori Hamamura of Kokura Rehabilitation Hospital, Fukuoka Japan gave a lecture on IMC development in Japan from his experience as a medical doctor over 40 years. He elaborated Japan's efforts to provide rehabilitation for older persons in the community in cooperation with various stakeholders. Such efforts were later incorporated into the local administration as a formal mechanism and then it becomes national system in Japan. Dr. Hamamura empathized that it is important to develop a model of seamless care for older persons by utilizing existing resources in the community, which may differ from place to place.

In the afternoon, Mr. Tatsuya Hama from Komagane City, Nagano, Japan, introduced a pilot project on self-management to prevent stroke recurrence in Komagane City. This initiative was implemented in collaboration with local governments and hospitals, that play a central role in community health care, and as a result has had a significant effect in preventing recurrent strokes in the city.

After Mr. Hama, Dr. Ratiorn Pornkuna from Khon Kaen Hospital gave a lecture to share her experience in stroke case management in Khon Kaen in Thailand. Dr. Ratiorn has been working in Khon Kaen Province to provide continuous and comprehensive care for aged stroke patients, after completing her studies in geriatrics in Japan. She also applies the concept of self-management and is actively involved in activities related to the prevention of recurrent strokes in aged patients. Dr. Ratiorn also outlined the differences between the Japanese and Thai healthcare systems, which contributed to participants' understanding of the training program. Participants exchanged opinions on how to improve stroke case management in their provinces with the experiences in Komagane, Japan and Khon Kaen, Thailand.

2nd Day: 23 February 2022

In the morning, Dr. Masahiko Mukaino, Fujita Health University, Japan and Dr. Piyanuch Samerwong from Chonburi Hospital gave a lecture on Tele-rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Mukaino gave an overview of global trends in Tele-rehabilitation during COVID-19 and the effects shown in preliminary studies. Regarding the implementation of Tele-rehabilitation, he explained the details for effective implementation and methods of evaluating effectiveness of the rehabilitation. On the other hand, Dr. Piyanuk explained about experience of Tele-rehabilitation in Thailand, which is an attempt to ensure follow-up of patients at home by utilizing limited resources because of COVID-19 and associated restrictions. Participants engaged in lively discussions on how to continue providing rehabilitation to older persons in their communities with the help of family caregivers, along with other initiatives in their provinces.

In the afternoon, Ms. Natsumi Asami, who had worked as a JICA Senior Volunteer (Occupational Therapist) in Thailand and has deep insight into the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), gave a lecture on the basic concept of ICF and how to utilize ICF in clinical practice, especially with the team approach. Participants shared their own experiences and ideas on the use of ICF in Thailand and discussed enthusiastically with the lecturers.

3rd Day: 24 February 2022

On the 3rd day, participants were divided into three groups for group work on case studies using ICF concepts; two cases of stroke and one case of spinal cord injury, for the purpose of deepening their understanding of ICF concepts and acquiring ability to apply in practice.

During the group work, participants from various backgrounds, including Doctors, Nurses, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and officers from the central ministries and provincial public health offices, analyzed and discussed each case from various perspectives.

The results were presented by each group, and there was a lively exchange of opinions among the participants. Through the group work, participants were able to understand, not only the medical issues of the patients, but also the importance of setting goals that are in line with the wishes of the patients and their families, and of collaboration with different stakeholders, such as social welfare department and local administration.

Mr. Somrt Kamruangrit, an Occupational Therapist at Industrial Rehabilitation Center Region 3 in Chiang Mai, who was supervisor for the group work, summed up the group works by stating the importance of not only medical support in improving the quality of life for older persons, but also support to improve the fine skills necessary for daily living.

All three days of the training were completed successfully. Feedback from participants after the training indicated a high level of satisfaction. The training was closed with closing remarks by Dr. Kornkrit Limsommut, Director of Health Administration Division, and Mr. Motooki Sakai, Chief Advisor of JICA S-TOP.