• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.48 no.11
• /
• pp.1162-1165
• /
• 2005

Purpose : The objective of this survey was to develop an operational plan for breast feeding education. In order to comprehend current breast feeding patterns, we aimed to examine the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding breast feeding of mothers and to compare the data with a similar study done 6 years ago. Methods : A total of 127 mothers who delivered healthy babies at Ewha Womans University Dongdaemun Hospital were interviewed and asked to complete a survey on their perception of breast feeding during their postpartum stay in the hospital. A follow up phone interview was carried out at 1, 2 and 3 months after delivery and similar questions were asked. Results : At the time of delivery, 96.1 percent of mothers planned to breast feed, including 73.2 percent of exclusive breast feeding and 22.8 percent of mixed feeding. The duration of breast feeding planned was mostly 7-12 months. Breast feeding had been recommended by family members. Between 1-3 months, exclusive breast feeding was maintained at least 50 percent but a large number of mothers who had practiced mixed feeding changed to formula feeding. This trend demonstrates an increase in the rate of breast feeding at 3 months compared to a similar study done in 1999. The main reasons for discontinuing breast feeding were insufficient amount of milk(35.0 percent) and return to work(27.5 percent). Conclusion : Breast feeding rate has increased in Korea since 1999 but failure to continue exclusive breast feeding still occurs mainly within the first month after delivery. Breast feeding education should focus on supportive care to mothers practicing mixed feeding.

• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.100-129
• /
• 1993

This study is designed to find out some intra-clinic factors affecting the content of practice provided by primary care physicians in Korea, and proposed factors in this study are characteristcs of each private clinc --- physician-related variables(age, sex, specialty), bfed-related variables for inpatient care, laboratory-related variables for precise diagnosis. We have tried to estimate the difference of disease entities cared by each primary care physician according to above factors by analyzin gdisease data claimed during one month(April, 1992) to National Federation of Medical Insurance. The diagnosis codes by ICD-9 in the research disease data were reclassified to 'diagnosis clusters' by virtue of clinical similarities for effective analyses. We have converted frequent-tsing ICD-9 codes to 86 diagnosis clusters, which incorporated 97.4 percents of all ambulatory visits to private clinics. This result means proposed diagnosis-cluster method is effective tool for analysis of the content of ambulatory medical care carried out by primary care physicians. Comparisons and analyses of multiple diagnosis-clusters made on the basis of presented factors were done and the results were as follows; - Major factors affecting the difference between diagnosis-cluster pattern by each variables were phyusician's age, sex, specialty and bed counts of each private clinic for inpatient care and the size of laboratories of each clinic. - Middle aged(30th to 40th) group physicians are providing more comprehensive care than 20th or above 50th aged groups. Male physicians are more adequate for comprehensive care than female physicians, because woman-doctors are providing narrow-spectrum care. The content of practice of obstetricians and gynecologists shows much difference from primary medical practice, and they cannot be included in primary care physician, this study suggested. Pediatricians are also providing short-spectum acre, and nearly all visits to pediatricians were incorporated only 2-3 diagnosis-clusters. General surgeons' practices are very similar to general practioners' or family physicians' practices, the means they are providing primary care rather than special surgical care. And small number of beds(under 5 beds) and only basic(2-3 sorts of)diagnostic apparatuses are sufficient for primary physicians' clinic to carry out primary care. In conclusion, to reinforce primary care department in Korea, there must be support with health policy to expand office-based primary care practice-- with small number of beds for inpatient care and only basic laboratories-- provided by general practitioner of family physician.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.61-99
• /
• 2017

Medical practices such as surgery often need to accompany anesthesia, which frequently causes medical accidents. In order to determine whether a medical accident related to anesthesia was caused by a doctor's fault, it is necessary to understand what is the duty of care required for the medical staff such as a doctor through all stages of anesthesia. This paper analyzed Supreme Court decisions since 1990s and recent lower courts' decisions in order to understand standard of care with respect to anesthesia. While numerous medical accidents were related to inhalation anesthesia in the past, it turned out that recent medical accidents were often related to the use of intravenous or local anesthetics. In particular, legal disputes with respect to medical accidents related to propofol have considerably increased since 2007. However, because Supreme Court decisions as to anesthesia accidents are mostly related to inhalation anesthesia, they seem to be insufficient to set standard of care as to other types of anesthesia accidents. In light of the fact that medical accidents related to the use of propofol have been increasing, it is critical to establish and maintain clinical guidelines on the use of each anesthetic in the medical field. However, The Courts can present the standard of care suitable for medical reality to serve as a compass for medical practices.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.13
• /
• pp.5349-5357
• /
• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer mortality among women of all ethnic and age groups in Malaysia. Delay in seeking help for breast cancer symptoms is preventable and by identifying possible factors for delayed diagnosis, patient prognosis and survival rates could be improved. Objectives: This narrative review aimed to understand and evaluate the level of in-depth breast cancer knowledge in terms of clinical breast examination and breast self-examination, and other important aspects such as side-effects and risk factors in Malaysian females. Since Malaysia is multicultural, this review assessed social perceptions, cultural beliefs and help-seeking behaviour in respect to breast cancer among different ethnic groups, since these may impinge on efforts to 'avoid' the disease. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search of seven databases was performed from December 2015 to January 2015. Screening of relevant published journals was also undertaken to identify available information related to the knowledge, perception and help-seeking behaviour of Malaysian women in relation to breast cancer. Results: A total of 42 articles were appraised and included in this review. Generally, women in Malaysia had good awareness of breast cancer and its screening tools, particularly breast self-examination, but only superficial in-depth knowledge about the disease. Women in rural areas had lower levels of knowledge than those in urban areas. It was also shown that books, magazines, brochures and television were among the most common sources of breast cancer information. Delay in presentation was attributed mainly to a negative social perception of the disease, poverty, cultural and religion practices, and a strong influence of complementary and alternative medicine, rather than a lack of knowledge. Conclusions: This review highlighted the need for an intensive and in-depth breast cancer education campaigns using media and community health programmes, even with the existing good awareness of breast cancer. This is essential in order to avoid misconceptions and to frame the correct mind-set about breast cancer among women in Malaysia. Socio-cultural differences and religious practices should be taken into account by health care professionals when advising on breast cancer. Women need to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms of breast cancer so that early diagnosis can take place and the chances of survival improved.

• Journal of Korean Medical Ki-Gong Academy
• /
• v.18 no.1
• /
• pp.146-165
• /
• 2018

Objective : The purpose of this review is to overview and evaluate the trends of the studies in J. of The Korean Academy of Medical Gi-Gong. Methods : All 186 articles' headlines and abstracts from voI.1(1996) to Vol.17(20l7) were evaluated and classified. The dataset was searched from the Hompage of the Korean Academy of Medical Gi-Gong. Results : 1. In the type of study, the literature studies consisted of 67%(126studies), clinical studies 21%(39), experimental studies 12%(22) in order. 2. Gigong classification was 60.96%(114studies) while Non-Gigong classification was 37.04%(73studies). 3. In Gigong classification, General Gigong took the largest part and there were no Taoist Sexual Practices studies. 4. In Non-Gigong classification, Obstetrics & Gynecology & Pediatrics took the largest part by 25 studies(12.37%). An-Kyo-Hak was the second largest by 24 studies(11.88%). 5. Analysis Research(112 studies, 59.89%) took the largest part in study method. Conclusions : 1. The Korean Academy of Medical Gi-Gong published average 8.9 studies per year(187 studies per 21 years). 2. Following the object of The Korean Academy of Medical Gi-Gong, 114 studies(60.96%) of total 187 studies, published by J. of The Korean Academy of Medical Gi-Gong, were associated to Gigong. 3. In Non-Gigong classification, 25 studies about Obstetrics & Gynecology & Pediatrics, 24 studies about An-Kyo-Hak, 16 studies about Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine and Meridian & Acupoint Study were published by J. of The Korean Academy of Medical Gi-Gong. 4. In Gigong classification, studies about Meditation and External Gigong Therapy were insufficient. There are even no studies about Taoist Sexual Practices. We need more studies about those categories to come.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Oriental Medical Informatics
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.82-129
• /
• 2011

"Beijijiufa" is a medical book republished by Sun Ju Qing in 1245. He compiled this book having added "Qizhumajiufa" and "Zhugejingyanbeijiyaofang" to the contents of "Beijijiufa" authored by Wen Ren Qi Nian. In "Beijijiufa" the author described treatment methods making use of moxibustion methods in connection with 22 cases of acute diseases. The author had collected the moxibustion methods used to treat acute diseases, which had been practiced by the medical practitioners of many generations, and quoted total 13 medical men's practices. In the book, the greatest parts of details were quoted especially from the writings of Sun Si Miao and Ge Hong, and this shows that the medical philosophies of both Sun Si Miao and Ge Hong were reflected onto "Beijijiufa". He had differed on his moxibustion practice: the size of moxa wool, the number of moxibustion treatment, and method of moxibustion for male and female were differed from one another according to the disease. As to the area of moxibustion, he chose the body parts around under four limbs and joints, and mostly used extraordinary acupoints rather than twelve main meridians. In his descriptions of finding meridian points, he did not describe it by its specific name of the reaction point, but explained the location of moxibustion points in detail through pictures. "Qizhumajiufa" is related to moxibustion method and prescriptions to treat surgical diseases, like skin boils or furuncle on the back, etc. He easily explained the method to find the meridian points for moxibustion treatment by using particular way through diagrams and pictures. Eight prescriptions he used were the collections among the historical practices of medical practitioners of many generations for skin boils which showed excellent therapeutic actions. In "Zhugejingyanbeijiyaofang", there are prescribed for 36 disease, also is the records of treatment methods for medical emergency which would be encountered easily in everyday life. As to therapeutic remedies, varied treatment methods, including the treatment by means of pasting and attaching medicinal substance to the spot, the treatment by means of mixing medicinal substance with alcoholic beverage, cleansing method, smoke inhalation remedy etc. were introduced. In "Beijijiufa" moxibustion was regarded as a top priority for treatment of acute disease, and the author strived to present remedies to the readers as easily as possible through 19 pictures. Regarding prescriptions, the author introduced diverse treatment methods with respect to various disease symptoms, and described the method to treat disease symptoms making use of medicinal ingredients which can easily be found in daily life. Likewise, "Beijijiufa" compiled by Sun Ju Qing was intended for clinical practice, and was indeed a medical book having been utilized for treatment of acute diseases in those days.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.209-230
• /
• 2020

Objectives : Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs), collaborations of practitioners and academic researchers, have provided platforms for conducting research to address clinical questions generated from daily routine care. This review aimed to critically analyse articles from PBRNs that are related to complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) and to suggest future directions for a PBRN which is appropriate for Korean Medicine (KM). Methods : PubMed, PBRN registries in Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and relevant PBRN websites were searched up to November 2019 for research articles from PBRNs that focused on CIM regardless of study design. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. The included studies were read in full, classified and summarised according to their topics. Results : A total of 51 articles published from 1998 through 2020 were included in this review. They were categorised into three principal themes based on research questions and findings: health services research (embracing researches examining characteristics of patients and CIM practitioners/practices, and communication between patients and practitioners); effectiveness and safety of CIM practices/interventions; and feasibility studies of instruments and interventions in PBRN settings. The study designs varied including surveys (n=30), prospective observational studies (n=6), 2ndary analyses of existing studies (n=7), protocols (n=7), retrospective chart review (n=1) and qualitative study (n=1). Quality of the included studies greatly varied. Conclusions : PBRNs can serve as a feasible platform for conducting practice-relevant research on KM and CIM. Considering growing demands on evidence-base for routine practice of KM amid various stakeholders, a PBRN in KM community and further researches nested within PBRN designs are warranted.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.50 no.1
• /
• pp.33-39
• /
• 2007

Purpose : In spite of medical advances, empyema is a serious complication of pneumonia in children. Vaccination practices and antibiotic prescribing practices promote the change of clinical manifestations of empyema and causative organisms. So we made a nationwide clinical observation of 122 cases of empyema in children from 32 hospitals during the 5 year period from September 1999 to August 2004. Methods : Demographic data, and clinical information on the course and management of empyema patients were collected retrospectively from medical records in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Korea. Results : One hundred twenty two patients were enrolled from 35 hospitals. The most frequent age group was 1-3 years, accounting for 48 percent of all cases. The male to female sex ratio was 1.2:1. The main symptoms were cough, fever, respiratory difficulty, lethargy and chest pain in order of frequency. Hematologic findings on admission revealed decreased hemoglobin levels ($10.4{\pm}1.6g/dL$) and increased leukocyte counts ($16,234.3{\pm}10,601.8/{\mu}L$). Pleural fluid obtained from patients showed high leukocyte counts ($30,365.8{\pm}64,073.0/{\mu}L$), high protein levels ($522.3{\pm}1582.3g/dL$), and low glucose levels ($88.1{\pm}523.5mg/dL$). Findings from pleural fluid cultures were positive in 80 cases(65.6 percent). The most common causative agent was Streptococcus pneumoniae. The majority of patients were treated with antibiotics and closed drainage. Some patients needed open drainage (16.4 percent) or decortication (3.3 percent). The mean duration of hospitalization was $28.6{\pm}15.3days$. Conclusion : We analyzed childhood empyema patients during a period of 5 years in Korean children. The most frequent age group was 1-3 years and the most common causative agent was Streptococcus pneumoniaeiae. The majority of patients were treated with antibiotics and close drainage.

• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
• /
• v.14 no.1_4
• /
• pp.37-54
• /
• 2007

We discuss why many current physical therapy entry-level programs are not designed to educate the type of physical therapy practitioners needed for the 21st century. We face a situation that we have to promote the profession's role in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of movement dysfunctions and the enhancement of the physical health and functional abilities of members of the public. The way how to train professional physical therapists became crucial. The purpose of study was to enhance the educational goals of physical therapy and the physical therapy curricula in Korea. In this study, we compared physical therapy training curricula recommended by WCPT with physical therapy training curricula in universities in other countries by dividing physical therapy curricula in universities and colleges into physical therapy students' electives, major required courses, labs and clinical practices, and counting the proportion of each category in the total credit hours. We discuss differences and similarities between curriculum in a university in Korea and curriculum in a university in the United States. We discussed possibly problematic portions of current physical therapy training curricula in korean universities. Finally, we statistically analyzed the regulations of WCPT and Health and Welfare Ministry in Japan, the Physical therapy curriculum of Creighton Entry-level DPT Program in the U.S. and the Inje University in Korea. The progressing direction of curricula in Korea had been researched. The future direction that korean physical therapy is to use an united curriculum that includes basic requirements of WCPT for all universities and colleges in Korea, rather than using each university's own modified version. The results of study can be helpful for developing a basic level of integrated curricula in universities and colleges in Korea.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.1-5
• /
• 1998

Grief is the ordinarily self-limited complex of symptoms and processes that constitute the acute reaction to a significant loss. And it is the reaction of the dying as well as the bereaved. Every culture has had its own ways of grief and mourning. The definition of healthy grief and mourning, in terms of both emotional expression and the length of time it should continue, mostly depend upon the type of culture as well as the type of religion. So the manner of grief and mourning greatly differs from culture to culture. In the most of the Asian countries, influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, death is traditionally considered the most significant life cycle transition. In Chinese culture, many rituals have evolved to help family members deal with their loss, over the past five thousand years. Confucianism taught the virtues of filial piety and righteousness. These rules and many customs added since the time of Cofucius, have been loyally followed and practiced by many Asian people. However, Buddhists have different ideas. They believe in karma and reincarnation and in predetermination of one's present life by good or bad deeds in the present life and past lives. Display of uncontrollable emotion is not encouraged. Continuity of family relations after death is very important. The ancient practice of the ancestor worship is still followed in many Asian households. Many Buddhist do not practice ancestor worship; family members honor the deceased by placing a memorial plate in the temple for continued chanting purposes. The mourning rituals have been dramatically curtailed in the past 50 years. For example, political, social and economic forces have shaped the current mourning practices of Chinese in different countries. There are many clinical implications in helping Asian to deal better with the emotional strains of the experience of loss. The therapiest must respect the cultural framework through which the client perceives family losses.