• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.16-33
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• 2022

Purposes: Prompt evaluation of routes and contact tracing are very important for epidemiological investigations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To ensure better adoption of contact tracing apps, it is necessary to understand users' expectations, preferences, and concerns. This study aimed to identify main reasons why people use the apps, appropriate services, and basis for voluntary app services that can improve app participation rates and data sharing. Methodology/Approach: This study conducted an online survey from November 11 to December 6, 2020, and received a total of 1,048 survey responses. This study analyzed the questionnaire survey findings of 883 respondents in areas with many confirmed cases of COVID-19. This study used a multiple regression analysis. Findings: Respondents who had experience of using related apps showed a high intention to use contact-tracing apps. Participants wished for the contact tracking apps to be provided by the government or public health centers (74%) and preferred free apps (93.88%). The factors affecting the participants' intention to use these apps were their preventive value, performance expectancy, perceived risk, facilitative ability, and effort expectancy. The results highlighted the need to ensure voluntary participation to address participants' concerns regarding privacy protection and personal information exposure. Practical Implications: The results can be used to accurately identify user needs and appropriate services and thereby improve the development of contact tracking apps. The findings provide the basis for voluntary app that can enhance app participation rates and data sharing. The results will also serve as the basis for developing trusted apps that can facilitate epidemiological investigations.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.39-52
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• 2021

This study aims to investigate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic on negative emotions, such as anxiety, depression, fear, and stress, in Korean college students. The study recruited students from J University and conducted interviews across three time points, namely, March 2019, March 2020, and November 2020. For three time points, the participants responded to structured questions about situations they may have encountered and they were asked to summarize their responses. Repeated-measures ANOVAs were performed to examine whether differences exist in negative emotions between time points. Furthermore, polynomial trend analyses were conducted to examine resultant patterns over time. The results revealed that negative emotions displayed significant differences between time points. Moreover, trend analyses revealed a curvilinear pattern, which indicates that negative emotions increased and were then sustained. These findings suggest that negative emotions may continue to become prevalent among college students with the increased impacts of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The study discussed the need for psychological support systems, such as stress management and psychological counseling, for college students.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.108-114
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• 2022

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had major effects worldwide, including sudden and forceful setbacks to the healthcare system. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led to changes in the plastic and reconstructive management of emergency cases, including those due to road traffic accidents. This study analyzed changes in patterns of plastic surgery emergencies and modifications in consultation policies to minimize the exposure of healthcare workers. Methods: Data on plastic surgery emergency calls received from the trauma and emergency department were collected for a period of 2 months before and during lockdown. The data were then analyzed with respect to the cause, mechanism, and site of the injury, as well as other variables. Results: During lockdown, there was a 40.4% overall decrease in the plastic surgery emergency case volume (168 vs. 100). The average daily number of consultations before lockdown was 2.8 as compared to 1.6 during lockdown. Road traffic accidents remained the most common mechanism of injury in both groups (45.8% vs. 39.0%) but decreased in number during the lockdown (77 vs. 39). Household accidents, including burns, were the second most common cause of injury in both phases (7.7% vs. 20.0%), but their proportion increased significantly from 7.7.% to 20.0% in the lockdown phase (P=0.003). The percentage of minor procedures done in the emergency department increased from 53.5% to 72.0% during lockdown (P=0.002). Procedures in the operating room decreased by 73.1% during lockdown (67 vs. 18, P=0.001). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown orders in India greatly influenced trends in traumatic emergencies as observed by the plastic surgery team at our tertiary care center. Amidst all the chaos and limitations of the pandemic period, providing safe and prompt care to the patients presenting to the emergency room was our foremost priority.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.629-659
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• 2021

This study compared the influences of Korean psycho-social experiences on emotional-distress(stress, depression, anxiety, anger) of Koreans between two-periods during COVID-19. First, an online survey was conducted among 600 participants between April 13, 2020 and 21, while WHO had declared the pandemic, and Daegu-Gyungbuk were declared as a special-disaster area. Second, an online survey was conducted among 482 participants out of 600 study participants from the first study during August 21 to September 2, while COVID-19 re-spreaded around the world, and total confirmed cases were over 1,000 for a week in Seoul-Gyeonggi province. Hierarchical-regression analysis was used to determine the influence of personal characteristics, fear and social constraints, relationship conflict and income-decreasing factors on stress, depression, anxiety, anger in the two-time points. Results suggest that gender, quality-of-life, 'frequent information-checking about COVID-19', 'fear of unpredictability' and 'difficulties on hospital treatment access' predicted distress(stress, depression, anxiety, anger) at both Time1 and 2. 'Difficulties with official schedule' predicted distress at Time 1, and age, vulnerability to infection and difficulties with personal schedules predicted distress(stress, depression, anxiety, anger) at Time 2. Based on the reseults, implications and recommendations were presented.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.66-74
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• 2022

Purpose: This study investigates the characteristics and prognosis of acute poisoning patients visiting nationwide emergency departments before and after the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Data were obtained from the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS). Methods: This nationwide retrospective observational study included acute poisoning patients who visited the emergency departments between February 1 to December 31, 2020, which has been determined as the pandemic period. The same periods in 2018 and 2019 were designated as the control periods. The primary outcome assessed was the length of stay in emergency departments (EDLOS). The secondary outcomes examined were intensive care unit admission rate and in-hospital mortality rate before and after the pandemic. A subgroup analysis was performed for inpatients and intentional poisoning patients. Results: A total of 163,560 patients were included in the study. During the pandemic, the proportion of women increased from 50.0% in 2018 and 50.3% in 2019 to 52.5% in 2020. Patients aged 20-29 years increased from 13.4% in 2018 and 13.9% in 2019 to 16.6% in 2020. A rise in cases of intentional poisoning was also noted - from 33.9% in 2018 and 34.0% in 2019 to 38.4% in 2020. Evaluating the hospitalized poisoned patients revealed that the EDLOS increased from 3.8 hours in 2018 and 3.7 hours in 2019 to 4.2 hours in 2020. ICU admissions were also markedly increased (2018, 48.2%; 2019, 51.8%; 2020, 53.2%) among hospitalized patients. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of acute poisoning patients visiting nationwide emergency departments in Korea. The proportion of young adults, women, and intentional poisoning patients has increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. Prolonged length of stay at the emergency department and an increased rate of intensive care unit admissions were determined in hospitalized acute poisoning patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.5
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• pp.573-581
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• 2023

Objective : Due to the implementation of vaccinations and the development of therapeutic agents, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that started at the end of 2019 has entered a new phase. As a result, neurosurgeons should reconsider the way they treat their patients. As the COVID-19 situation prolongs, the change in neurosurgical emergency patients according to the number of confirmed cases is no longer clear. Outpatient treatment by telephone was permitted according to government policy. In addition, visits to caregivers in the intensive care unit were limited. Methods : The electronic medical records of patients who had been treated over the phone for a month (during April 2020, while the hospital was closing) were reviewed. Meanwhile, according to the limited visits to the intensive care unit, a video meeting was held with the caregivers. After the video meeting, satisfaction was evaluated using a questionnaire. Results : During April 2020, 1021 patients received non-face-to-face care over the telephone. Among the patients, no critical medical problem occurred due to non-face-to-face care. From July 2021 to December 2021, 321 patients were admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit and 107 patients (33.3%) including their caregivers agreed to video visits. Twice a week, advance notice was given that access would be made through a mobile device and the nurse explained to caregivers how to use the mobile device. The time for the video meeting was approximately 20 minutes per patient. Based on the questionnaire, 81 respondents (75.7%) answered that they agreed, and 26 respondents (24.3%) answered that they strongly agreed that was easy to communicate through video meetings. Fifty-two (48.6%) agreed and 55 (51.4%) strongly agreed that they were easy to understand the doctor's explanation. For overall satisfaction with this video meeting, three respondents (2.8%) gave 4/5 points and 95 respondents (88.8%) gave 5/5 points, and nine (8.4%) gave 3/5 points. Their reason was that there was not enough time. Conclusion : In situations where patient visits are limited, video meetings through a mobile device can provide sufficient satisfaction to caregivers. Telemedicine will likely become common in the near future. Health care professionals should prepare and respond to these needs and changes. Therefore, establishing a system with institutional support is necessary.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.243-252
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• 2023

This paper aims to introduce Korea's total current health expenditure (CHE) and National Health Accounts of the year 2021 and their 2022 preliminary figures constructed on the basis of the System of Health Accounts 2011. As CHE includes expenditures for prevention, tracking, and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and compensation for losses to medical institutions from 2020, the details are also introduced. Korea's total CHE in 2021 is 193.3 trillion won, which is 9.3% of gross domestic product (GDP). The preliminary figure in 2022, 209.0 trillion won, exceeded the 200 trillion won line for the first time, and its "ratio to GDP" of 9.7% is expected to exceed the average of Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development member countries for the first time. Korea's health expenditures, which were well controlled until the end of the 20th century, have increased at an alarming rate since the beginning of the 21st century, threatening the sustainability of national health insurance. The increase in health expenditure after 2020 is partly due to a temporary increase in response to COVID-19. However, when considering the structure of Korea's health insurance price hike, where the ratchet effect of increased medical expenses works particularly strongly, it is unlikely that the accelerating growth trend that has lasted for more than 20 years will stop easily. More aggressive policies to control medical expenses are required in the national health insurance which not only constitutes the main financing sources of the Korean health system but also has the most powerful policy means in effect for changes in the health care provision.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.203-212
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• 2023

Since the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, it has been generally believed that a medical technologists (MTs) are supposed to perform polymerase chain reaction tests and next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the hospitals. However, many do not recognize that the duty of MT for clinical genetic testing has not been stated in the Medical Laws (72.5% for MT, N=200; 62.8% for students, N=123). In this regard, to evaluate the feasibility of MT's role for NGS genetic testing, we requested our subjects to fill out an online survey and analyzed the data. Among them, it shows that the scope of MT's role, including NGS performance should include clinical genetic testing (99.5% for MT, N=200; 86.8% for students, N=123). Also, questions on clinical genetics, which is associated with both cellular genetics and molecular genetic questions should be included in the National MT License Problem Bank (97.5% for MT; 71.4% for students). Based on these results, the Korean Association of Medical Technologists needs to cooperate synergically with the Academic Association of Biomedical Laboratory Science with respect to genetic education and legislation for the future benefit of both MTs and students.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.111-116
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• 2023

Background: In Indonesia, the prevalence of cleft lip and palate increased from 0.08% to 0.12% between 2013 and 2018. Children with cleft deformities typically undergo staged surgery. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had negative impacts on the healthcare sector, including the suspension of elective procedures; this has raised concerns about the safety of performing surgery and the functional consequences of delaying treatment, the latter of which is associated with poor prognosis. The purpose of this study was to report the characteristics of clefts treated by the Bandung Cleft Lip and Palate Center team during the pandemic period. Methods: This brief comparative study based on a chart review was conducted at the Bandung Cleft Lip and Palate Center. We statistically evaluated data from all patients treated between September 2018 and August 2021. Frequency analysis was performed to analyze the average number of each procedure by age before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Data from 18-month periods before (n= 460) and during (n= 423) the pandemic were compared. Cheiloplasty procedures were examined (pre-pandemic, n= 230; pandemic, n= 248); before the pandemic, 86.1% were performed according to the treatment protocol (patient < 1 year old), and this proportion non-significantly dropped to 80.6% during the pandemic (p= 0.904). Palatoplasty procedures were also compared (pre-pandemic, n= 160; pandemic, n= 139); the treatment protocol (patient 0.5-2 years old) was followed for 65.5% of procedures before the pandemic and 75.5% during the pandemic (p= 0.509). Additionally, 70 (mean age, 7.94 years) revision and other procedures were performed before the pandemic and 36 (mean age, 8.52 years) during the pandemic. Conclusion: The cleft procedures performed at the Bandung Cleft Lip and Palate Center did not significantly change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.319-326
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• 2023

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the workload of healthcare workers (HCWs), impacting their health. This study aimed to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and identify factors associated with poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1000 frontline HCWs were recruited from various healthcare facilities in Vietnam between October 2021 and November 2021. Data were collected using a 3-part self-administered questionnaire, which covered demographics, sleep quality, and factors related to poor sleep. Poor sleep quality was defined as a total PSQI score of 5 or higher. Results: Participants' mean age was 33.20±6.81 years (range, 20.0-61.0), and 63.0% were women. The median work experience was 8.54±6.30 years. Approximately 6.3% had chronic comorbidities, such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. About 59.5% were directly responsible for patient care and treatment, while 7.1% worked in tracing and sampling. A total of 73.8% reported poor sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression revealed significant associations between poor sleep quality and the presence of chronic comorbidities (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 5.24), being a frontline HCW directly involved in patient care and treatment (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.16 to 2.16), increased working hours (OR, 1.84; 95% CI,1.37 to 2.48), and a higher frequency of encountering critically ill and dying patients (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.95). Conclusions: The high prevalence of poor sleep among HCWs in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic was similar to that in other countries. Working conditions should be adjusted to improve sleep quality among this population.