• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.62-84
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• 2001

The purpose of the study was to compare patient's satisfaction on the pharmacy services after introducing the new system of separation of dispensing from prescribing medicines, between those filling their prescriptions from the pharmacy nearby hospitals and those from the pharmacy in their resident areas. To measure patient's satisfaction, a questionnaire survey was conducted with 354 outpatients who received prescriptions from any of the three university hospitals located in In-Cheon city. Study results showed that geographic accessibility to pharmacy was a main attribute to select pharmacy. Size of the pharmacy and availability of prescription drugs are the second major reasons for pharmacy selection for the patients from the pharmacy nearby hospital, whereas patronage is the second major reason for those from the pharmacy in resident areas. Overall satisfaction was higher among the patients from the pharmacy in resident areas than those from the pharmacy nearby hospitals, mainly due to better facilities(waiting area, public telephone, etc), kindness, cleanliness, shorter waiting time, and pharmacist's concern about patient's health. On the other hand, the patients of the pharmacy nearby hospitals showed low satisfaction because of long waiting time and the lack of pharmacist's knowledge and information about patients' health status and medication history. Patients visiting the hospital that has pharmacy-hospital cooperation system showed higher satisfaction as compared to those visiting the hospital without such system. This study provided an empirical evidence that it would be more advantageous for patients to receive pharmacy services from pharmacies located in their living areas than from pharmacies nearby hospitals. This implies that there is a strong need for adequate strategies to enhance the role of pharmacies in resident areas under the new system of separation of dispensing from prescribing medications.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 1998

Intramuscular injection(IM) into the gluteal muscles is a common route of medication, but may lead to complications. A retrospective review of 32 patients who required surgical treatment for local complications of buttock injections in children was made at the Taegu Fatima Hospital during a seven-year nine-month period (March 1990 to December 1997). Local complications included acute inflammation, cellulitis and abscess(71.9 %), and fat necrosis(21.9 %), and injection granuloma(6.2 %). Over the half of injections were on the upper and outer quadrant of the buttock, but the other 43.7 % were in the upper and inner or lower and outer quadrant which are considered unsuitable sites for intramuscular injection. The majority of complications developed within fat tissue(90.6 %) rather than within muscle(9.4 %). Two-thirds of the patients were under 2 years of age, this suggests that it is technically difficult to accurately administer IM injections in small children because muscle mass is smaller compared to subcutaneous. In addition subcutaneous fat is more susceptible to chemical irritation. Staph. aureus was the predominant organism, isolated in 84.6 % of the patients with abscesses. Treatment consisted of needle aspiration, incision and drainage, curettage, or surgical excision. In conclusion, the major factor that contributes to complications following IM of the buttock appears to be the inadvertent intrafat rather than of IM injection. Accurate injection into the muscles based on a knowledge of pelvic anatomy as well as the potential complications is necessary to prevent complications.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.46-70
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• 2001

Medical Aid expenditure Increased rapidly at a higher rate than that of Medical Insurance during the period 1992-1999. To establish an effective cost containment strategy, knowledge of the cause and the nature of the increase of Medical Aid expenditure is required. The purpose of this study was to analyze increasing rates of Medical Aid expenditure by the components of medical expenses. Data were collected using the Medical Aid Statistical Yearbook during the period of 1992-1999. The major findings were as follows: 1. The annual mean increasing rate of Medical Aid expenditure between 1992 and 1999 was 22.8%, which exceeding that of Medical Insurance expenditure (17.5%) between 1992 and 1999. Since 1998, Medical Aid expenditure increased even more rapidly than in previous years, with the increase in number of Medical Aid beneficiaries. 2. Of Medical Aid expenditure, that of inpatient and outpatient annually increased 24.2% and 22.8% respectively and that of type 1 and type 2 increased annually 28.8% (outpatient) ∼29.9% (inpatient), 14.3% (outpatient) ∼ 15.5% (inpatient). Therefore, Medical Aid expenditure of inpatient and type 1 led the increase of Medical Aid expenditure. 3. Between 1992 and 1997, the frequencies of utilization per beneficiary and the charges per case positively contributed to the increase of Medical Aid expenditure while the number of beneficiaries contributed negatively, but since 1998, the number of beneficiaries increased and positively contributed to the increase of Medical Aid expenditure. 4. According to the analysis of the charges per case, the increase of the price index led to the increase of the charges per case but the days of medication and service intensity also contributed to the increase of the charges per case variably by year. Considering the above findings, factors associated with the Medical Aid system affected the increase of Medical Aid expenditure in addition to the general factors of the increase in medical expenditure. In conclusion, it appears that a more intensive cost containment strategy is required to control rapidly increasing Medical Aid expenditure. For this, more precise analysis and development of policy considering the effect of the number of beneficiaries and the increase of price index is needed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.69 no.4
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• pp.284-287
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• 2010

We report the case of a 68-year-old man with a stromal tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), which had metastasized to the lung. The patient complained of an enlarged mass in the anterior chest. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed a sternal abscess with multiple nodules in both lungs. A thoracoscopic lung biopsy of the nodules and incision/drainage of the sternal mass were performed simultaneously. CT of the pelvis revealed an enlarged prostate with irregular cystic lesions in the pelvis. Prostate biopsy was done and demonstrated hypercellular stroma with minimal cytological atypia, a distinct pattern of STUMP. The sternal abscess proved to be tuberculosis and the lung lesion was consistent with STUMP, which had spread from the prostate. However, to our knowledge, the tuberculous abscess might not be assoicated with STUMP in the lung. The patient refused surgical prostatectomy and was discharged with anti-tuberculosis medication. On one-year follow up, the patient had no evidence of disease progression.

• Journal of Technology Innovation
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.255-286
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• 2015

This study focuses on the role of supplier's organizational learning capacity in creating the outcomes of technological innovation based on buyer-supplier collaboration. In doing so, the study is carried out through mediating effect analysis using 221 small and medium enterprises among Korean manufacturers. As a result of empirical tests, buyer's indirect supports(knowledge, know-how, value, information sharing) have significant and positive effects on the outcomes of technological innovation, whereas direct supports(technical staff support, machine tools and test equipments support, education for facility utilization) show no statistical significance. In addition, a further test for mediation effects reveals that a full mediation exists between supplier learning capacity and buyer's direct support, while there is a partial medication effect for buyer's indirect support. The findings suggest that buyer's indirect support can take on more important role to enhance the outcomes of supplier's technological innovation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.12
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• pp.4983-4988
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• 2014

Background: In Muslim majority countries (MMC) opioid use for pain management is extremely low. The underlying factors contributing to this are not well defined. Aim: The aim of this study was to survey the attitudes of cancer patients towards morphine use for pain management in a MMC and identify the factors that influence patient decisions to accept or refuse morphine as treatment for cancer pain. Settings/participants: Patients were questioned whether they had pain or not, the severity and the medications for pain management. Questions included what type of medication they thought morphine was, whether or not they would be willing to take morphine if recommended for pain management and the basis for their decision if they were against morphine use. Results: Four hundred and eighty-eight patients participated in the study. Some 50% of the patients who refused morphine use and 36.8% of the patients who would prefer another drug, if possible, identified fear of addiction as the basis for their decision. Reservation of morphine for later in their disease was the case for 22.4% of the patients who refused morphine use. Only 13.7 % of the patients refusing morphine and 9.7% of the patients who preferred another drug, if possible, cited religious reasons as the basis for this decision. Conclusions: Identifying the underlying factors contributing to low opioid use for pain management in MMC is important. Once the underlying factors were identified, all efforts should be taken to overcome them as they are barriers to improving patient pain management.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2012

Objectives: Hypertension is the highest ratio among chronic disease in Korea, and the western medical information about hypertension is provided by many web sites. Advanced researches about hypertension have been conducted in Traditional Korean Medicine(TKM) for decades, but the research results are not arranged. So the results have not been utilized in following research nor contributed to the expansion of public knowledge. Methods : We did this study to improve this situation. In this study, we built database about advanced research articles related hypertension in TKM and implemented TKM information system of hypertension. Results : First, we benchmarked hypertension information systems and designed the TKM information system based on the benchmarking results and comments from TKM doctors. And it was composed of introduce, treatment, and etc. Second, we built prescription, herb, acumoxa, qigong, prevention/management, and pill database which is about 600 data extracted from papers and books. Third, we implemented JAVA/JSP based web information system which provides the database. And we created links for the each papers and books to use more easily. Conclusions : If we provide the research results about TKM hypertension diagnosis and combinational medication of western and oriental medicine, this information system will be more useful. And if we add internal and external project report about hypertension, it will be more worthy.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.1 s.65
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• pp.78-90
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• 2006

Background : Traditional herbal medicine is used extensively among the Korean populations, and other Asian countries employ similar therapies as well. In recent years, extensive focus was laid on adulteration of the herbal medicine with liver damage. The use of herbal preparations as remedies for various medical conditions has continuously increased in Korea. Large proportions of Korean patients use herbal medicinal products, folk remedies, and health food. However, studies on the safety of herbal products are conducted on a less than sufficient basis even in the countries like Korea where herbal medicine is being used extensively. Some of the reports on the safety of herbs were done by the doctors of western medicine but lack of knowledge and misclassification led to misunderstandings. Objectives : This study aims to verify the evidences on safety of frequently used 4 herbal medications (Sipjeondaebo-tang, Bojungikgi-tang, Ohjeok-San, Yukmaijihwang-tang) in the lab animal model. Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats was treated by 4 herbal medications during 31 days. After 1 month, we checked body weight, liver weight, and serum enzyme associated with liver function. Results : There is no significant difference in body weight and liver weight after 1 month of administrations. In all experimental groups, no abnormal findings was observed in histotogical research and lab liver Functions test(AST, ALT etc). Conclusions : These four herbal medications, frequently used in oriental medicine clinics and hospitals, are safe from hepatoxic events in the lab animal model.

• YAKHAK HOEJI
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.204-209
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to construct database for a drug safety information website to serve as an access point of up-to-date resources for a wide variety of drug-safety information helping patients and healthcare professionals make well-informed decisions about medication use. All the contents developed were confirmed by the council of advisors who were the experts in drug safety. The detailed contents of database on frequently prescribed drug including 9 NSAIDs, 19 antibiotics, 24 cardiovascular, 21 metabolic, 14 respiratory, 20 digestive, 22 hormonal, 10 genitourinary, 10 anti-allergic, 27 antifungal/antiviral, and 71 neuropsychiatric agents were developed based on the approved drug labeling of the Korean FDA. A separately searchable database of drug-specific safety information for patients and health professionals was constructed for users in need of different depth of knowledge on using medications safely. The safety information on highly prevalent chronic diseases and drug classes was also developed. Finally the most recent global drug safety news was provided. The consumer directed information was developed in layman's terms as means of proving user-friendly information. The creation of this type of website is part of the Korean FDA's ongoing initiative to address and promote the safe use of medications for the public.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.139-148
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• 2005

Appropriate drug classification is important fur rational drug consumption. This study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of current drug classification system and suggest possible ways for improving the system. Nonprescription drug market has been decreased. Since total 27,962 products had been classified (prescription 17,187 vs. nonprescription 10,775 products, 61.5% vs. 38.5%) in July 2000 for implementing separation of drug prescribing and dispensing system, there are no classification changes. Reclassification is not motivated by product holder and regulatory system did not lead classification change either. Consumers' ease access to some nonprescription drugs is demanded. But point of public awareness and cultural and health environmental views, saff drug use rather than advantages from broad supply of nonprescription drugs is more critical. We concluded that current 2-categorized (prescription and nonprescription) drug classification system is appropriate, and addition of general sale category should be approached carefully with long term Preparations such as establishment of better nonprescription drug consuming infrastructure by public information provision and education for improving public medicinal knowledge and strengthening self medication guidance, and review of current classification status of marketed drugs and switching possibilities. For systemizing and encouraging reclassification, introduction of regulatory renewal system as a continuous reevaluation program which is the best way to review appropriateness of drug classification as well as provision of detailed guidance for industry including policy, requirement and process fer reclassification application, are necessary.