Innovations in aged care: study tours for Japanese health professionals-sharing insights

Abstract

With Australian health care management is becoming of increasing interest to Asian organisations,and there have been many advances made in the conduct of informative tours. This article presents a summary of key points to be considered when planning and implementing study tours for health professionals from Japan, especially in the context of aged care. By providing an outline of Japanese culture and traditions,is provided and the mostly anecdotal experience will serve to inform readers about how to conduct such tours so that to meet the learners' needs are met while also preserving the dignity of the aged persons involved. The key issues to be addressed are described using the mnemonic of S.T.U.D.Y.T.O.U.R.S. - where the key letters stand for Specifications, Translation, Understanding culture, Delivery of education, Yen, Timing, Organisation, Unique needs, Residents' values and Safety.The intent of the article is to encapsulate the many factors to be planned and implemented to achieve the outcomes required by the Japanese visitors and to ensure both the necessary professional and financial rewards for the Australian hosts.