MHLW Productivity Project Results Announced: ZEST Platform Reduces Workload and Increases Care Time in Home Care Settings
A government-backed project by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) validates that the ZEST platform significantly improves operational efficiency and staff well-being in home-based nursing and care services.
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- 📰 Published: May 28, 2026 at 23:40
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Zest Inc. (Headquarters: Shinjuku, Tokyo; CEO: Junnosuke Isshiki), provider of the home healthcare and nursing revenue improvement platform "ZEST," has announced significant achievements through its participation in the MHLW's "Productivity Improvement and Effect Measurement Project using Care Technology." The demonstration confirmed the effectiveness of data-driven management and operational streamlining.
■ Project Background
Initiated by the MHLW, this project aims to verify how AI and other technologies can reduce staff burden and maintain care quality. Three facilities participated: Fujita Health University Nanakuri Home Visit Nursing, Ischia Home Visit Nurse Station, and Home Helper Station Hanatsumugi.
■ Key Demonstration Results
1. Reduction in Administrative Time and Increase in Care Quality
Time-study surveys showed that scheduling and coordination time decreased by a maximum of 46% (from 85.1 minutes to 45.5 minutes per day). This allowed staff to dedicate more time to direct nursing and rehabilitation services.
2. Improvement in Psychological Well-being and Productivity
Staff surveys indicated that the percentage of employees reporting "weak" psychological stress rose from 14% to 43%, dramatically reducing the mental load on schedulers. Furthermore, the average daily visits per facility increased from 42.7 to 45.1. Despite staff turnover at some sites, visit volumes were maintained, indicating a substantial rise in productivity.
3. Feedback from the Field
Participating facilities reported that the scheduling tool has become indispensable. Staff noted that tablet-based operations enabled direct travel to and from patients' homes without returning to the office. The automation also helped mitigate "person-dependency," where scheduling knowledge was previously concentrated in a single manager.
■ Case Study: Home Helper Station Hanatsumugi
Before ZEST, this facility relied on manual spreadsheets, spending over 30 hours per month on scheduling. After implementation, ZEST's automatic route optimization and integration with the "Kaipoke" care software significantly reduced this time. Manager Ms. Furukawa noted, "It is now an essential part of our operations; returning to manual spreadsheets would be impossible."
■ Future Outlook
Zest Inc. remains committed to being a partner for the healthcare sector. Beyond providing tools, the company aims to co-create "sustainable management" models that allow caregivers to provide high-quality care with peace of mind.
■ Project Background
Initiated by the MHLW, this project aims to verify how AI and other technologies can reduce staff burden and maintain care quality. Three facilities participated: Fujita Health University Nanakuri Home Visit Nursing, Ischia Home Visit Nurse Station, and Home Helper Station Hanatsumugi.
■ Key Demonstration Results
1. Reduction in Administrative Time and Increase in Care Quality
Time-study surveys showed that scheduling and coordination time decreased by a maximum of 46% (from 85.1 minutes to 45.5 minutes per day). This allowed staff to dedicate more time to direct nursing and rehabilitation services.
2. Improvement in Psychological Well-being and Productivity
Staff surveys indicated that the percentage of employees reporting "weak" psychological stress rose from 14% to 43%, dramatically reducing the mental load on schedulers. Furthermore, the average daily visits per facility increased from 42.7 to 45.1. Despite staff turnover at some sites, visit volumes were maintained, indicating a substantial rise in productivity.
3. Feedback from the Field
Participating facilities reported that the scheduling tool has become indispensable. Staff noted that tablet-based operations enabled direct travel to and from patients' homes without returning to the office. The automation also helped mitigate "person-dependency," where scheduling knowledge was previously concentrated in a single manager.
■ Case Study: Home Helper Station Hanatsumugi
Before ZEST, this facility relied on manual spreadsheets, spending over 30 hours per month on scheduling. After implementation, ZEST's automatic route optimization and integration with the "Kaipoke" care software significantly reduced this time. Manager Ms. Furukawa noted, "It is now an essential part of our operations; returning to manual spreadsheets would be impossible."
■ Future Outlook
Zest Inc. remains committed to being a partner for the healthcare sector. Beyond providing tools, the company aims to co-create "sustainable management" models that allow caregivers to provide high-quality care with peace of mind.
FAQ
What was the primary focus of the MHLW project?
The project aimed to measure the effectiveness of technology in reducing the physical and psychological burden on care staff while ensuring care quality.
What were the specific time-saving results?
Scheduling time was reduced by up to 46%, dropping from an average of 85.1 minutes to 45.5 minutes per day.
How did ZEST affect staff mental health?
The proportion of staff with low stress levels tripled, increasing from 14% to 43% during the study.