Creation of a conceptual model for understanding subtle reactions of children with severe physical and mental disabilities

Advances in medical technology have assisted with the provision of care for children with severe physical and mental disabilities, helping to improve and maintain their living standards, and enabling a high level of care to be given at home. But there remains a burden on the families delivering care, particularly when communication is difficult. Researchers in the Society 5.0 Study Group, Interdisciplinary Research Institute, Shikoku University, Japan, are exploring the potential of information and communication technology (ICT) to be used to improve the quality of care for children with severe physical and mental disabilities. The researchers are developing a conceptual model for understanding the subtle reactions of children, including the sensing of biological reactions such as facial muscle movement. The goal is to better understand the reactions of children with severe disabilities, leading to improved levels of care and benefiting the families of patients. Dr Emiko Yokozeki leads the team. She has three decades of nursing experience and is a member of the Society 5.0 Research Society, which is chaired by Professor Kohji Yamamoto and promotes research with the aim of creating a society where everyone can live safely and comfortably by utilising innovation.