Abstract
The purpose of this review is to introduce the vision regarding the future application of information and communication technology (ICT) in the fields of health and medicine, mainly focusing on the measures of the Japanese government. The proposed tasks and solutions are also discussed. This review particularly focused on features mentioned recently by Mr. Shiozaki, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare, Data Health Reform – Implementation of Paradigm Shift in Health, Medical Care and Nursing Care Utilizing ICT and/or artificial intelligence (AI), and these are reviewed in the health and medical field. It is reported three major policies proposed were (a) Utilization of advanced technology; implementation of Cancer Genome Medicine, improvement in AI development in the health care field, remote medical care, and nursing robot, (b) Collection and analysis of large amounts of data; strengthening insurer’s function using such data, realization of care based on scientific evidence, and (c) Improvement in ICT infrastructure based on the utilization of data in the field of health and medicine. Health reform based on research is mainly to implement the three major policies mentioned above, in the field of health and medicine. Additionally, the importance of promptly promoting these policies by overcoming political and bureaucratic barriers, as well as those in the business circles, medical facilities, and research institutes will be emphasized.
