11/27/2024

On November 27, we held a workshop for third-year students in the Welfare Department of Kawasaki High School. This was a follow-up to the outreach class conducted at the school on September 11 of this year. Based on the issues identified in nursing and caregiving during that class, we first envisioned what the ideal state of care settings should look like 20 years from now.

Given that the students have experience in caregiving training and aspire to work in the medical and welfare fields as nurses, care workers, physical therapists, or nutritionists in the future, they presented quite specific ideals. Next, we collaborated with Project CHANGE scientists and nurses to explore the tools and services needed to turn those ideals into reality.

Overall, there were many requests for improvements in the working environment, and the students expressed a strong desire to achieve a well-balanced work-life, rather than merely persevering through challenges. For example, one idea proposed was that in the future, if remote monitoring and care become feasible, night shifts could be reduced by stationing care staff in countries with a sufficient time difference.

Additionally, since care is often provided by family members (or by the patients themselves if they live alone) in their own homes, there were suggestions that school education should include caregiving knowledge and skills, along with awareness-raising activities to ensure everyone is equipped with the necessary skills to provide care.

 * https://change.kawasaki-net.ne.jp/news/1007/