The clinic is located in a very accessible location, just a minute’s walk from Ishikawa-cho Station on the JR East Negishi Line. How many patients do you see each day?

Roughly 250 people a day, I think. This may have something to do with the fact that we’re located in front of the station, so it’s easy to stop by.

That’s a very large number of patients! May we ask why you decided to open the clinic at this location?

I myself was born and raised in Yokohama, so I already knew the area. Another important factor was that this building was close to the station and had a parking lot inside too.

So, you opened a clinic in a location that is familiar to you and also easy for patients to visit. You’re currently using our electronic medical record, but we’d like to know what you consider to be important or key points in using it.

The most important thing is speed. It’s most important that it doesn’t interfere with medical treatment and doesn’t take up too much time when reviewing past medical records. The rest is stability. Stability is significant, because if the machine stops, medical treatment will be affected.

Speed and stability are what matter to you. You mentioned that it shouldn’t interfere with medical treatment, but would you say the ease of viewing and understanding what’s on the screen is also an important factor for the sake of maintaining speed?

I would. While speed is a key factor, easy-to-understand and intuitive operation is also very important. For example, being able to reviewing medical records easily, ordering medicines, and other one-click operations.

So, in order to maintain a good pace, it is important that the product’s operation is both intuitive and easy to understand. You’ve implemented our electronic medical records, but did you consider other companies ahead of making your decision?

We considered about three or four companies at the time and, in the end, narrowed it down to two; the one made by Yuyama and one other company which both specialize in clinics.

Can you tell us what swung you decision to adopt our BrainBox as opposed to the other company’s product?

The rehabilitation order function was easy to use and the personality of the salesperson at the time influenced my decision. I also liked the functionality of the system itself, and the salesperson was knowledgeable and responsive to my questions. They made me feel like I could confidently use the system in terms of maintenance, which was a major factor in my decision to install the system.

So, both functionality and personality helped you make your decision. You mentioned that the system seems to be safe to use in terms of maintenance. How has maintenance been after installation?

They always respond well and so I feel comfortable leaving them in charge. I’m also happy that the person handling our account responds to my minor questions right away.

So, everything’s running as anticipated! Now, since you operate an orthopedics, pain clinic and rehabilitation specialist, I assume that you perform rehabilitation procedures pretty frequently. I understand that there are numerous patterns of diagnostic imaging orders, but do you use any set functions? How is the usability of the functions that are relevant to you?

I use the functions often and find them very easy to use. We have many order patterns, so the ability to set them up in advance and order them with a single click for quick consultations has been very helpful.

Does this mean they have helped in speeding up your processes—something you consider to be important?

Yes, the ability to order with one click is a big selling point.

The next question is about rehabilitation software (application). How are they rated among the rehabilitation staff where you operate?

I’m sure it’s partly a matter of getting used to it, but it has a good reputation among the staff.
However, we use paper (rehabilitation instructions) in conjunction with the electronic medical record, because it might take too much time if we try to do everything on the system. Electronic medical records can only be viewed one patient per screen, so when multiple patients enter the rehabilitation room at the same time, we also use paper in order to maintain speed. This isn’t an issue with the electronic medical record’s performance, but the strengths and weaknesses of the machine itself, and I believe that there is no way around this. Aside from that issue, we find it very easy to use.

So, you are operating while utilizing the strengths of machinery and paper.
In orthopedics and rehabilitation, the reception is likely to have more complicated work to deal with than in other departments, such as the calculation of workers’ compensation and liability insurance. How does the reception staff use our product and what do they think of it?

We have everything covered, including workers’ compensation and liability insurance, and I don’t think we have any complaints. They tell me that it’s easy to use, too.

How about the automatic calculation function for workers’ compensation and liability insurance?

The calculation is literally automated and it doesn’t omit any information, which is great for peace of mind.

Is there anything else you would like to see within our products?

The volume of data will inevitably become heavier in some aspects as the number of patients increases and more undergo multiple rehabilitation procedures, but I believe that the system’s usability has improved since there are regular updates.

We’re glad we can be of service. For our last question, you mentioned at the beginning of this interview that you examine 250 patients a day. What do you consider important when examining so many people?

The goal is for the patient to leave satisfied. Patients come to the clinic with anxiety, so we examine the patient with consideration for their feelings, whether it is to relieve pain or simply to understand the root of the problem. We see patients every day with the goal of having them leave with their anxieties relieved and feeling glad they came.

Thank you for your time today.