• 한국의료질향상학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.30-44
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in perception of the New Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG)-based payment system, make overall evaluation after participation, and examine opinions on further policy improvement among employees of a public hospital participating in the pilot project in Korea. Methods: We investigated changes in perception of the New DRG-based payment system before and after participation in the pilot project using a qualitative research method. We conducted individual in-depth interviews with the management and healthcare professionals and Focus Group Interviews (FGIs) with the staff in the nursing and administrative departments. Results: Before implementing the pilot project of the New DRG-based payment system, the management was in favor of participating in the pilot project, whereas the healthcare professionals were strongly opposed to participation in the pilot project, and the staff in the nursing and administrative departments were slightly opposed to participation. After implementing the pilot project, there were remarkable changes in the perception of the New DRG-based payment system among healthcare professionals and the administrative staff. Healthcare professionals' perception was altered in a positive way, while the administrative staff's perception of the system became negative. Conclusion: There were no restrictions on clinical practice or deterioration of quality of care observed in association with the participation in the New DRG-based payment system. However, certain unintended consequences of the New DRG-based payment system may arise as well. Therefore, the government needs to examine the problems identified in this study to reflect on and improve the New DRG-based payment system for stable expansion.

• 한국환경보건학회지
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.103-110
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• 2006

The present study is designed to analyze reliability and validity of the instruments used to measure job stress of radiological technologists mainly by means of the questionnaires from 'Korean edition of NIOSH check list'. The subjects of this study are 890 radiological technologists active at 44 general hospitals in 16 provinces and cities across the country. The item-total reliability revealed that 10 factors in 6 are the major causes of stress in job life of radiological technologists. The measuring instrument proved to be valid with reliability coefficient of internal consistency by factors being more than 0.7. The factors found to be applicable herewith include limit and authority of job (0.73), cohesion within departments (0.86), resources control (0.81), mental requirements (0.85), job load (0.82), and job stability (0.72). When job autonomy item of causes are modified for proper use to radiological technologists, the measuring instruments are expected to show high reliability. It seems, however, necessary to develop a measuring instrument to analyze and use the validity of related measuring instruments since the reliability here was rated low, with statistical coefficients lower than 0.7 in such factors as job management (0.57), conflicts within departments (-1.13), sense of responsibility for patients (0.66) and usage of education (0.26). As this study was intended to examine reliability and validity of the concepts related to measurement of job stress on the part of radiological technologists, it nay not be proper to apply the results of this study to general use, but is advised to utilize them as basis for developing instruments to verify reliability and validity by comparing with and analyzing other measuring instruments.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.252-259
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• 2016

Neuropathic pain is a complex state showing increased pain response with dysfunctional inhibitory neurotransmission. The TREK family, one of the two pore domain $K^+$ (K2P) channel subgroups were focused among various mechanisms of neuropathic pain. These channels influence neuronal excitability and are thought to be related in mechano/thermosensation. However, only a little is known about the expression and role of TREK-1 and TREK-2, in neuropathic pain. It is performed to know whether TREK-1 and/or 2 are positively related in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of a mouse neuropathic pain model, the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model. Following this purpose, Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot analyses were performed using mouse DRG of CCI model and compared to the sham surgery group. Immunofluorescence staining of isolectin-B4 (IB4) and TREK were performed. Electrophysiological recordings of single channel currents were analyzed to obtain the information about the channel. Interactions with known TREK activators were tested to confirm the expression. While both TREK-1 and TREK-2 mRNA were significantly overexpressed in DRG of CCI mice, only TREK-1 showed significant increase (~9 fold) in western blot analysis. The TREK-1-like channel recorded in DRG neurons of the CCI mouse showed similar current-voltage relationship and conductance to TREK-1. It was easily activated by low pH solution (pH 6.3), negative pressure, and riluzole. Immunofluorescence images showed the expression of TREK-1 was stronger compared to TREK-2 on IB4 positive neurons. These results suggest that modulation of the TREK-1 channel may have beneficial analgesic effects in neuropathic pain patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제75권1호
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• pp.18-24
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• 2013

Background: We investigated the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among the health care workers (HCWs) and analyzed its risk factors in South Korea. Methods: A standard questionnaire regarding the baseline demographics and risk factors for LTBI was given to each participant and tuberculin skin test (TST), QuantiFERON-TB GOLD In-Tube (QFT-GIT) assay, and chest radiography were performed. Results: A total of 493 participants, 152 (30.8%) doctors and 341 (69.2%) nurses were enrolled in eight tertiary referral hospitals. The mean age of the subjects was 30.6 years old, and 383 (77.7%) were female. Of the 152 doctors, 63 (41.4%) and 36 (23.7%) were positive by TST and by QTF-GIT, respectively, and among the 341 nurses, 119 (34.9%) and 49 (14.4%) had positive TST and QFT-GIT results, respectively. Overall, the agreement between the two tests was 0.22 by the chance corrected proportional agreement rate (kappa coefficient) in 493 subjects. Experience of working in tuberculosis (TB)-related departments was significantly associated with positive LTBI test results by QFT-GIT assay, not by TST. In multivariate analysis, only age was independently associated with increased risk of a positive TST result, while age and experience of working in TB-related departments (odds ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-5.12) were independently associated with increased risk of a positive QFT-GIT result. Conclusion: A high prevalence of LTBI was found among South Korean HCWs. Considering the association between the experience of working in TB-related departments and high risk of LTBI, QFT-GIT may be a better diagnostic test for LTBI than TST in HCWs.

• 대한치과기공학회지
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.8-14
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aims to provide basic data for developing and improving a nationwide curriculum for advanced courses in dental technology departments. Methods: For the study, the 2021 academic curricula for all six universities with operating departments for advanced study of dental technology were investigated from November 18 to December 10, 2021. If a curriculum was not available for analysis on the university's website, it was obtained via e-mail or phone and then analyzed. Results: The curricula offered advanced courses in a range of 7~14 subjects, with an average of 9.7 subjects. The total number of credits ranged 20~33, and the average for all universities was 25.2. Among the total subjects opened, digital-related subjects comprised the largest proportion at 26.2%, followed by other major-related subjects (e.g., dental techniques, occlusion, and implants) and other liberal arts subjects. Conclusion: The study revealed that the curricula for bachelor's-level dental technology course at universities adequately reflect the industry demand. In the future, university leaders must maintain ongoing collaboration and consultation with industry experts with regard to school curricula for analyzing the education demand and industry prospects, including careers.

• 한국엔터테인먼트산업학회논문지
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.375-382
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• 2020

본 연구의 목적은 일부 보건계열 학과 대학생들을 대상으로 손씻기에 대한 인식도와 실천도 조사를 통하여 인식도와 실천도의 차이 및 상관관계를 분석하여 손씻기 관리에 대한 기초자료를 제공하는데 있다. 본 연구는 간호학과, 물리치료학과, 작업치료학과의 보건 계열 대학생을 대상으로 무응답, 불성실 응답 등을 제외한 총 367부의 설문을 조사하여 자료를 수집하였다. 연구대상자의 일반적 특성과 전공에 따른 손 씻기 인식도와 실천도의 차이는 독립표본 t-test, 일원배치분산분석(One way ANOVA)을 실시하였다. 유의한 차이를 보인 변인에 대하여서는 사후검증(Post-hoc)으로 Scheffe를 실시하였다. 손 씻기에 따른 인식도와 실천도는 Pearson의 상관분석을 이용하였다. 일부 보건 계열 대학생의 손 씻기의 인식도는 감염교육 유무 항목에서, 실천도는 성별을 제외한 모든 영역에서 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 보건 계열 학과의 특성에 따라 물리치료학과, 작업치료학과, 간호학과 순으로 손 씻기의 인식도와 실천도가 유의한 차이가 나타났다. 학년별 특성에서는 손 씻기 인식도에서 유의한 차이가 나타났고 실천도에서는 유의한 차이가 없었다. 손 씻기에 대한 인식도와 실천도는 매우 높은 상관관계를 보였다.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.169-176
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• 2014

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate occupational symptoms and chemical exposures of nail salon technicians. Methods: Work-related symptoms of nail salon technicians in Daegu City were surveyed using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and responses were compared to those of non-exposed office workers as controls. Personal exposure level of airborne volatile organic compounds was also monitored using passive samplers. Results: A total of 159 subjects in 120 salons were interviewed. Average work-shift concentrations of 13 chemicals were measured for 50 workers from 30 salons using personal passive samplers. The most frequently reported respiratory or neurologic symptoms by nail shop technicians compared to controls were nose irritation (odds ratio [OR], 54.0; confidence interval [CI], 21.6 to 134.8), followed by headache (OR, 9.3; CI, 4.7 to 18), and throat irritation (OR, 4.3; CI, 2.2 to 8.5). For eyes and skin, 92% of respondents complained eye irritation (OR, 13.1; CI, 5.7 to 30.1). In musculoskeletal symptoms, workers reported pain or discomfort in shoulders (OR, 20.3; CI, 7.7 to 54) and neck (OR, 19.7; CI, 8.9 to 43.6). From personal measurements, the proportion of exceeding the Korean Occupational Exposure Limit was the highest for acetone with 64%, followed by toluene (50%), butyl acetate (46%), and methyl methacrylate (12%). However, the service was being provided without a proper ventilation system in most surveyed shops. Conclusions: Based on these findings, it is warranted to have appropriate local exhaust ventilation place to ensure adequate health protection of nail shop technicians as well as customers. At the same time, greater policy interests are warranted in nail care business to protect health of both workers and customers.

• 보건행정학회지
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• 제17권3호
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• pp.1-25
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• 2007

Relative value scales introduced in 2001 remarkably improved health insurance fee schedule, but current relative value scales have many problems. In the beginning the government intended to introduce 'resource based relative value scales(RBRVSs)' like USA, but political adjustment of RBRVS studied in 19.17 weakened the relationship between relative value scale and resource consumption. So unbalance of health insurance fees are existing till now. Also relative value was not divided to physician work and practice expense, and malpractice fee was not divided separately. To correct the unbalance of current relative value scales, the refinement project of health insurance relative value scales started in 2003. The project team divided relative value scales into three components, which are physician work, practice expense, malpractice fee. Physician work was studied by professional organizations like Korean medical association. To develop the practice expense relative value, project team organized clinical practice expert panels(CPEPs) composed of physicians, nurses, and medical technicians. CPEPs constructed direct expense data like labor costs, material costs, equipment costs about each medical procedures. The practice expense relative values of medical procedures were developed by the allocation of the institution level direct & indirect costs according to CPEPs direct costs. Institution level direct & indirect costs were collected in 21 hospitals, 98 medical clinics, 53 dental clinics, 78 oriental clinics, and 46 pharmacies. The malpractice fee relative values were developed through the survey of malpractice related costs of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies. Putting together three components of relative values in one scale, the final relative values were made. The final relative values were calculated under budget neutrality by medical departments, that is, total relative value score of a department was same before and after the revision. but malpractice fee relative value scores were added to total scores of relative values. So total score of a department was increased by the malpractice fee relative value score of that department This project failed in making 'resource based' relative value scales in the true sense of the word, because the total relative value scores of medical departments were fixed. However the project team constructed the objective basis of relative value scale like physician's work, direct practice expense, malpractice fee. So step by step making process of the basis, the fixation of total scores by the departments will be resolved and the resource based relative value scale will be introduced in true sense.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권8호
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• pp.3699-3704
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• 2014

Background: This study aimed to determine knowledge, attitudes and believes about cervical cancer and human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination with related factors in Turkish university students. Materials and Methods: This descriptive and cross sectional study was conducted between June-July 2013 in Hitit University located in Corum, a rural area to the East of Ankara. The population consisted of 550 university students who were training in first and last year from Faculties of Economics, Theology and Health. We reached 463 volunteer students without selection. The study of data was collected with a 44 item questionaire covering socio-demographic features, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about cervical cancer, HPV and vaccination. Also for this study ethic committee report was taken from Bozok University. Data were evaluated with the SPSS 17.0 programme using the Ki kare test with P<0.05 accepted as statistically significant. Results: It was seen that there was a statistically significant variation between classrooms and departments of students with knowledge about cervical cancer and human papilloma virus and vaccine (p<0.001; p<0.01; p<0.05). Also we found low attitudes to thinking about taking HPV vaccination of girls and their children in the future. Conclusions: In light of the study findings; it was concluded that knowledge levels, beliefs and attitudes of the university students about cervical cancer, HPV infection and HPV vaccination were low.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.1-9
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• 2023

Background: Firefighting involves exposure of firefighters to risks related to this activity, serious injuries, and occupational diseases are recorded. There are other consequences such as thermal and emotional stress. This systematic review is proposed in order to analyze the risks and consequences faced by these workers and thus provide elements to improve safety management systems in institutions. Method: A descriptive observational study of systematic literature review on the risks and consequences of exposure to firefighters' activity was proposed, and the information was analyzed and described based on the available data and according to the variables determined. Results: The studies showed data on mechanical, physical, chemical, psychosocial risks, workers' perception and resilience, and epidemiological data. Information related to firefighters' activity on falls and slips, exposure to noise, and high concentrations of carbon monoxide is detailed. In addition, the relationship between burnout, cognitive, and physical fatigue as adverse effects on health and performance is mentioned. Conclusions: Among the preventive measures, the use of personal protective equipment is suggested, incorporation in prevention programs of information on exposure to risk factors, as well as the implementation of models that can predict the perception of workers, additionally, the generation of management systems with safety climate models for fire departments.