Thammasat University Hospital is embarking on a digital transformation of its elderly care service.

The hospital signed a memorandum of understanding with NEC Thailand for the development of a digital platform to digitise all records and treatment plans at Thammasat Thammarak Center. 

Based on a press release, NEC Thailand will be deploying IoT devices for detecting falls. It will also introduce an alert system that notifies caregivers and patients' relatives in emergency situations, such as a fall or sudden deterioration of the patient's health. 

WHY IT MATTERS

Thammasat Thammarak Center, the elderly care arm of Thammasat University Hospital, provides geriatric services, including OPD, daycare, rehabilitation, long-term care, intermediate care and palliative care.

Its MOU with NEC Thailand will facilitate the digitalisation of health data, enabling the centre to create comprehensive digital care plans and enhance communication between family members and elderly patients.

THE LARGER TREND

NEC Thailand has been helping local governments brace for the impact of an ageing population. Based on projections, senior folks would make up 30% of the population by 2040 from just 10% today.

Last year, the company launched a proof of concept trial of NEC's Japan-borne digital elderly care system called Mimamori in a nursing home in Chiang Mai. The system features an online care plan manager for digitising paper records; a mobile app that alerts families of changes in the patient's condition; and a medical alert system that includes 4D fall detection sensors. NEC Thailand recently expanded the trial to the whole city as part of the greater smart city project. 

Meanwhile, aside from starting its digital transformation, Thammasat Thammarak Center is also opening a new medical building that will act as a model for comprehensive care for the elderly and end-of-life patients, as well as a research centre for fostering innovation and education and training related to aged care. The building is targeted to be launched in 2025 with 200 beds.