• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.99-123
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• 2002

This study was conducted to determine whether follow-up management is carried out continuously following CQI activity and to analyze the factors behind the success and failure of follow-up management. Past presentations from 1994-1999 of CQI coordinators and lecturers from various institutions who presented at The Korean Society of Quality Assurance in Health Care(KoSQA) on the conditions of follow-up management in each institution were analyzed. The results of this study were as follows; Since the number of subjects on CQI increased each year at symposiums, this has expanded to all medical institutions. Although medical institutions usually conduct 11-20 subjects on CQI per year, there were many such occasions where more than 31 subjects were conducted. Moreover, institutions with less than 800 beds have come up with more projects than those with more than 800 beds, thus 23.3% of these institutions had at least 1 person involved in 4 projects. This had created an overload of responsibilities for specific persons' involvement, prompting them to incline toward formalities in their work rather than substantial activities. Among the projects presented at the symposiums, 51.7% demonstrated that follow-up management could be carried out. In particular, 55.3% of the projects from provincial regions could carry out follow-up management compared to 48.8% in Seoul. Moreover, it was demonstrated that 80% of the projects from institutions with 600-799 beds carried out follow-up management most effectively. With regards to previous presentations, the older they were, it was found that follow-up management could not be effectively carried out. Some institutions that responded that follow-up management was carried out effectively in their institutions were found to have conducted follow-up management without any inspection strategies or the appropriate tools. CQI activities were executed and terminated with no consistency and team members had no real concern for it. The most important factors that contribute to an effective follow-up management are the need for concern and interest from the directors of the hospitals, from the relevant departments and team members in addition to the role of the supervising department, follow-up management through management of target goals, consistency in tasks along with communication between all team members. The biggest problems were perceived to be overload of work due to accumulation of proposed projects in addition to lack of awareness pertaining to follow-up management. CQI is beneficial for all staff for the improvement of the mind and business administration and thus it is believed to be desirable. To carry out follow-up management effectively, leadership, analysis and application of information, follow-up management and planning, as well as quality management are perceived to be essential, on the other hand, the results showed a significant difference. To prevent CQI activities from becoming just an activity, the basic system should be reconstructed and augmented based on the problems derived from the results of this study. Moreover, we hope this study will be used as reference material that would encourage the administration of follow-up management after CQI activities in most hospitals. Furthermore, various studies on follow-up management should be conducted for CQI activities in the future.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.29-41
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• 1994

The purposes of this study are (a)to investigate the effect of follow-up on the increase of response rate;(b)to analyze the effect of follow-up on the statistics by predetermined response rates ; therefore, (c)to describe the importance of high response rate and to suggest methods in order to increase response rate in mail survey. Telephone directory of Seoul was utilized as a sampling frame, and modified Total Design Method(TDM) was applied to collect the data. The results are summarized as follows. 1. Final response rate was 76.5% by 2 follow-ups. 2. The first follow-up with telephone call had a significant effect on increase of response rate. As a result, follow-up by postcard in TDM could be omitted in this method. 3. The second follow-up by registered mail did not have a significant effect. Therefore, use of this procedure is depending upon such research situtations as importance of high response rate and cost available. 4. Follow-ups helped to make collected sample highly representative. 5. Most questionnaires were arrived on the first half of data collection period in each follow-up. 6. Most of questionnaires were collected for 10 weeks. Accumulated responses could be fitted by exponential and logistic curve, simultaneously. The fitted curve suggested that eventually limited number of questionnaires by arrived. So, if researchers want higher response rate, they have to conduct more follow-ups. 7. Statistics in the predetermined response rate were not changed significantly. But replications are needed to generalize this result.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.243-255
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• 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine effects of a multifactorial program for preventing the frailty of older adults and effects of a follow-up program applying a capacity building strategy. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was used for the nonequivalent control group. The follow-up group (n=75) and non-follow-up group (n=68) received the same multifactorial program comprising muscle strength exercise, cognitive training, and psychosocial programs for 12 weeks. After completion of multifactorial program, the follow-up group took follow-up programs applying the capacity building strategy for following 12 weeks. The data of physical function, cognitive function, and psychological function, and self-rated health were collected from both groups three times: before intervention, after intervention, and 12 weeks after intervention. The data were analyzed using $x^2$ test and t-test. Results: In comparison with the non-follow-up group, the scores of Timed Up & Go Test, and physical activities energy expenditure were significantly improved in the follow-up group. Conclusion: These results indicate that a multifactorial program with follow-up adapting the strategies of capacity building for the older adults group is feasible to prevent the physical frailty in community.

• Korean Journal of Childcare and Education
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.19-34
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• 2020

Objective: This study investigated the effects of the firstborn's gender and temperament on the fertility intention and follow-up childbirth of parents. Methods: A total 120 firstborns and their mothers were selected from the sample of the Panel Study on Korean Children. Child temperament traits were measured by Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire(ECBQ) and mothers stated their fertility intention in 2009 when their first child was under 2 years old. Follow-up childbirth of mothers was assessed from the data of PSKC in 2016. Results: The results indicated that there was a significant difference by gender in follow-up birth. Among aspects of temperament, fertility intention was affected by the firstborn's inhibitory control and follow-up birth was affected by the firstborn's gender and discomfort. For mothers with a boy, the firstborn's soothability affected mothers' follow-up childbirth. Conclusion/Implications: These results imply that gender and temperament of the first child are connected to mothers' fertility intention and follow-up childbirth. Extra studies are required to clarify how those factors affect mothers' parenting or psychological status. Meanwhile, the firstborn's gender and temperament should be considered when developing support programs for families with one child in order to increase follow-up birth rate.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.729-738
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• 2023

Objective: When multiple surveillance mammograms are performed within an annual interval, the current guidance for oneyear follow-up to determine breast cancer status results in shared follow-up periods in which a single breast cancer diagnosis can be attributed to multiple preceding examinations, posing a challenge for standardized performance assessment. We assessed the impact of using follow-up periods that eliminate the artifactual inflation of second breast cancer diagnoses. Materials and Methods: We evaluated surveillance mammograms from 2007-2016 in women with treated breast cancer linked with tumor registry and pathology outcomes. Second breast cancers included ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive breast cancer diagnosed during one-year follow-up. The cancer detection rate, interval cancer rate, sensitivity, and specificity were compared using different follow-up periods: standard one-year follow-up per the American College of Radiology versus follow-up that was shortened at the next surveillance mammogram if less than one year (truncated follow-up). Performance measures were calculated overall and by indication (screening, evaluation for breast problem, and short interval follow-up). Results: Of 117971 surveillance mammograms, 20% (n = 23533) were followed by another surveillance mammogram within one year. Standard follow-up identified 1597 mammograms that were associated with second breast cancers. With truncated follow-up, the breast cancer status of 179 mammograms (11.2%) was revised, resulting in 1418 mammograms associated with unique second breast cancers. The interval cancer rate decreased with truncated versus standard follow-up (3.6 versus 4.9 per 1000 mammograms, respectively), with a difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) of -1.3 (-1.6, -1.1). The overall sensitivity increased to 70.4% from 63.7%, for the truncated versus standard follow-up, with a difference (95% CI) of 6.6% (5.6%, 7.7%). The specificity remained stable at 98.1%. Conclusion: Truncated follow-up, if less than one year to the next surveillance mammogram, enabled second breast cancers to be associated with a single preceding mammogram and resulted in more accurate estimates of diagnostic performance for national benchmarks.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.57-66
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• 2008

Follow-up process consists of two steps. First, it monitors whether project proponents comply with reviews made by KEI. The second steps is to survey environmental impacts during and after implementation of the proposed action. The follow-up requires the proper participation of stakeholders: project proponents, compliance monitors, impact monitors, and environmental agencies approving and reviewing said projects. Currently, follow-up process does not work well because each stakeholder does not play his proper role for various reasons such as mutual distrust among stakeholders and problems associated with institutional settings. This study intends to improve effectiveness of follow-up process and, ultimately, to improve quality of EIA in Korea by devising a follow-up system that delineates clear roles and build a strong network among stakeholders. In order to do so, the study identifies current problems associated with follow-up process and examines basic concepts and procedures involved in it. Secondly, it analyzes relational dynamics among stakeholders to identify what's behind the current mutual distrust. Third, it proposes a way to delineate clear roles to each stakeholder so that follow-up process runs efficient as an organic network.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.260-265
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• 2014

Background: To evaluate the results of conventional radiofrequency thermorhizotomy (CRT) for trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in patients with failed medical management. Methods: Patients with Trigeminal neuralgia who were referred to us for 'limited intervention' during the time frame July-2011 to Jan-2013 were enrolled for this study. CRT was administered by the Sweet technique. Pain relief was evaluated by the principle investigator. Results: Eighteen patients were enrolled and completed a mean follow-up of 18.0 months. Pain relief was observed in 14 of 18 (77.8%) patients on the post-operative day, 14 of 18 (77.8%) at 1-month follow-up, 14 of 17 (82.4%) at 3-months follow-up, 12 of 15 (80%) at 6-months follow-up, 7 of 11 (63.6%) at 1-year follow-up and 2 of 6 (33.3%) 1.5 years of follow-up. Four patients required a repeat cycle of CRT; two at six months of follow-up and two at one year of follow-up. One patient was transferred for surgical intervention at six months of follow-up. Side-effects included facial hypoesthesia (n = 6); nausea/vomiting (n = 2), diminished corneal reflex (n = 13) and difficulty in chewing (n = 11). Severity of adverse effects gradually diminished and none of the patients who are beyond 6 months of follow-up have any functional limitation. Conclusions: CRT is an effective method of pain relief for patients with Trigeminal neuralgia. Successful outcome (excellent or good) can be expected in 66.7% of patients after first cycle of CRF. The incidence and severity of adverse effects is less and the procedure is better tolerated by the patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.64 no.7
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• pp.313-321
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• 2021

Here we describe the neurodevelopmental outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (birth weight ≤1,500 g) at 3 years of age in the Neonatal Research Network of Japan (NRNJ) database in the past decade and review the methodological issues identified in follow-up studies. The follow-up protocol for children at 3 years of chronological age in the NRNJ consists of physical and comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments in each participating center. Neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI)-moderate to severe neurological disability-is defined as cerebral palsy (CP) with a Gross Motor Function Classification System score ≥2, visual impairment such as uni- or bilateral blindness, hearing impairment requiring hearing amplification, or cognitive impairment with a developmental quotient (DQ) of Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development score <70 or judgment as delayed by pediatricians. We used death or NDI as an unfavorable outcome in all study subjects and NDI in survivors using number of assessed infants as the denominator. Follow-up data were collected from 49% of survivors in the database. Infants with follow-up data had lower birth weights and were of younger gestational age than those without follow-up data. Mortality rates of 40,728 VLBW infants born between 2003 and 2012 were 8.2% before discharge and 0.7% after discharge. The impairment rates in the assessed infants were 7.1% for CP, 1.8% for blindness, 0.9% for hearing impairment, 15.9% for a DQ <70, and 19.1% for NDI. The mortality or NDI rate in all study subjects, including infants without follow-up data, was 17.4%, while that in the subjects with outcome data was 32.5%. The NRNJ follow-up study results suggested that children born with a VLBW remained at high risk of NDI in early childhood. It is important to establish a network follow-up protocol and complete assessments with fewer dropouts to enable clarification of the outcomes of registered infants.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.710-718
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• 2022

Objective : Although endovascular treatment for intracranial aneurysms is considered effective and safe, its durability is still debated. Also, few studies have described angiographic follow-up plan after endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysm, especially in ruptured cases. Hence, we report the long-term results of follow-up angiography protocol. Methods : Radiological records of 639 cases of coil embolization with ruptured aneurysms from March 2003 to December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who received treatment of a saccular aneurysm less than 7 mm resulted with near complete occlusion were included. Two hundred thirty-eight aneuryms which received the follow-up angiography at least once were enrolled. We classified four periods of follow-up as follows : post-treatment 1 year (defined as the first period), from 1 to 2 years (the second period), 2 to 5 years (the third period), and over 5 years (long-term). Results : We identified 14 cases (6.4%) of recurrence from 218 aneurysms in follow-up angiography in the first period. Among 143 aneurysms in the second period, five cases (3.5%) of recurrence were identified. There were no findings suspicious of recanalization in 97 patients in the third period. Of the total 238 cases, there were 19 recurrences, for a recurrence rate of 8.0%. Six (31.6%) out of 19 recurrences showed a tendency toward repeat recurrences even after additional treatment. Twenty-eight received long-term follow-up over 5 years and there was no recurrence. Conclusion : Most of the recurrence were found during the first and the second year. We suggest that at least one digital subtraction angiography examination may be necessary around post-treatment 2 years, especially in ruptured cases. If the angiographic results are favorable at 2 years post-treatment, long-term result should be favorable.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.375-385
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• 2015

This study analyzed international case studies on Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) follow-up and suggested implications based on the study's findings to aid implementation of SEA follow-up in Korea. SEA requires follow-up in order to identify unforseen adverse effects and enable appropriate remedial action to be taken. Tool kits and methodological framework for effective SEA follow-up are only being researched recently. Based on the study's findings, following implications for implementing SEA follow-up in Korea were drawn. First, the system of carrying out SEA follow-up would be different depending on the PPP topic. During the scoping stage, significant impacts should be identified according to the PPP topic, and thus help determine the indicators to be developed in the later stage. Secondly, responsibility, method, time, intervals and actions from SEA follow-up may vary depending on the target SEA consultation. Thirdly, the indicators of SEA follow-up may be considered together with various environmental standards and current political, social and economic indicators which are a big issue in society. Fourthly, SEA follow-up can be used as an integration system of its target planning and environmental planning. Finally, SEA feedback system should be needed. The result of SEA follow-up should be used for target PPP. These would lead to improvements to the target PPP. If SEA follow up is successfully implemented and actively carried out for domestic PPPs, Korea can be a step closer to realization of sustainable development.