Practicing human-centered smart convergence care

Successfully carrying out smart care researches and projects

Established in 2021 by Dean of Shinhan University School of Nursing Seunghee Yang, the Smart Care Convergence Association aims to contribute to the health and happy life of mankind through human-centered smart care practices. “The association aims to contribute to the improvement of national health by conducting R&D for the development of smart care based on artificial intelligence, robots, the Internet of Things, and ICT, promoting public health, housing, safety education, and convenience, and reducing social burdens. We are seeking and developing research projects, expert training, academic conferences, symposiums, and cooperation between domestic and international private, government, and academic institutions.” explained Yang.

▲ Smart Care Convergence Association / President Seunghee Yang

The association is composed of about 30 nursing professors, social welfare officials, employees of the National Health Service, representatives of AI IOT companies, and operators of elderly care institutions. The association was the first in Korea to receive a license from the Ministry of Health and Welfare in the field of smart care. The association is carrying out various R&D and projects to integrate and develop the 4th industry and the care businesses. Major projects include academic research, cooperative model development, smart device care, and smart care expert training.

The association’s projects include ‘Smart Medical Care and Care R&D Research Project’, ‘Smart Health Management Project for the Elderly in Uijeongbu City’, ‘Smart Health Management Program Content Development for the Elderly at Home’, and ‘Development of Customized Scenarios for the Use of Companion Robots for the Elderly with Dementia’. The association has recently been conducting a research project on community integrated care in Uijeongbu City.

Expanding smart care awareness and nurturing experts

Presenting good guidelines for smart care

As part of the training of care professionals with medical knowledge and experience, the association has produced 240 experts as ‘Smart Care Experts Level 1’. Among them are 30 nursing school professors, nurses, social workers, professors of social work, occupational therapy, physical education, psychology, and education, representatives of AI-related companies, executives of the National Health Service, and long-term care facility operators. The association has also trained about 200 second-level professionals, including nursing students, staff at Uijeongbu Chu Hospital and Baek Hospital. In the second half of this year, the association plans to open a top smart care course in collaboration with Shinhan University to train leaders in the field of smart care that combines technology and care.

The association plans to present good guidelines for smart care, and continue research, development and education projects to build a future-oriented care system. “Smart care technology is not only a digital technology, but medical guidelines need to be set. The association will take a preemptive response to prepare guideline standards in advance of government policies, and through this, we plan to prepare for the super-aged society that will soon come.” said Yang.