In a momentous stride towards international academic and research collaboration, JAMK University of Applied Sciences Finland visited Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) from November 28 to December 6, 2022. The primary objective of this visit is to fortify institutional ties between JAMK and ITS, with a specific emphasis on collaborative ventures in digital rehabilitation and rehabilitation development in Indonesia. Notably, the visit took on additional significance by actively participating in the global initiative of data gathering for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically aligning with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, concurrently highlighting a commitment to fostering collaboration to provide services for patients in need of rehabilitation.

Picture 1. Visit to Universitas Airlangga Hospital Rehabilitation Division

During the delegation from JAMK’s stay, discussions centered around the establishment of a collaborative digital rehabilitation test-bed environment and the exploration of research collaboration possibilities. Interactions with key stakeholders, including doctors, Physitrack (a digital healthcare company focused on clinical home exercise and education prescription), and the Indonesian Association of Physiotherapy, afforded a comprehensive understanding of local rehabilitation needs. The itinerary further encompassed visits to hospitals, visit and discussion with laboratories in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Industrial Design, and Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering ITS, outpatient clinics, and culturally pertinent contexts, presenting a holistic view of the Indonesian healthcare landscape.

Picture 2. Visit to Laboratory of Biomedical Instrumentation and Signal Processing ITS

This visit was underscored by a commitment to intellectual inquiry and global responsibility. JAMK University sought to comprehensively understand the intricacies of the local rehabilitation system, from identifying prevalent patient groups to delineating the roles of rehabilitation professionals. The exploration of standard processes, interventions, and technology integration in rehabilitation was paralleled by active participation in sharing best practices for SDG collaboration. This collaborative initiative promised to stimulate novel avenues in research and development within healthcare technology in Indonesia.

Picture 3. Meeting with the Indonesian Association of Physiotherapy and Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Industrial Design, and Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering ITS.