• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.249-260
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• 2023

Purpose: The study aimed to examine the effects of nurse staffing levels on patient outcomes in long-term care hospitals in South Korea using path analysis. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of national data, which included the 2021 hospital assessment results of long-term care hospitals from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. Data collection was performed between June 19 and June 27, 2023. The study sample consisted of 1,215 hospitals, and we analyzed the data using SAS 9.4 and Mplus 8 software. Results: The average numbers of patients per registered nurse, certified nursing assistant, and nursing staff, including both registered nurses and certified nursing assistant, was 10.00, 7.43, and 4.00, respectively. Path analysis revealed that the number of patients per registered nurse had direct effects on improvements in activities of daily living and indirect effects on indwelling catheterization, pressure ulcer improvement, and weight loss. The number of patients per certified nursing assistant had direct effects on new pressure ulcer development and pressure ulcer improvement, with no indirect effects. The number of patients per nursing staff had direct effects on pressure ulcer improvement and no indirect effects on other patient outcomes. Conclusion: The findings suggest that establishing policies to evaluate staffing levels of registered nurse and certified nursing assistants separately is necessary in order to improve registered nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes in long-term care hospitals.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.43-56
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• 2019

Purpose: Importance of patient satisfaction related to patient-centeredness has been emphasized, and it is known to have effect on various health outcomes including health resource utilization. However, the effect of patient satisfaction has been discussed mostly in terms of hospital marketing in Korea. This study aims to examine the effect of patient satisfaction in patient-physician communication on healthcare utilization in a nationally representative adult population of South Korea. Method: Patient satisfaction with physician communication is assessed using 4 items in the 2011 Korea Health Panel Survey. Generalized linear regression analysis is conducted using 9,325 adults' healthcare utilization in 2012. Findings: Adjusting for the socio-demographic, economic factors, individual health status, health behaviors and healthcare utilization in 2011, more satisfied individuals, more likely to utilize the outpatient service, especially in clinical setting. Practical Implications: The study findings suggests that in context of South Korea healthcare system such as insufficient medical consultation time and the absence of health delivery system, patient satisfaction as a subjective healthcare quality indicator would have effect on the individual's outpatient visit. This study contributes to stimulate patient satisfaction research and discussion in South Korea to further explore its relationship with potential and various health related outcomes. Further implications of the study are discussed.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for suitable neonate blood glucose maintenance by investigating and analyzing the blood glucose level of post cardiovascular surgery neonates in the ICU for the effect of blood glucose levels on the following outcomes; ICU stay, hospital stay, mechanical ventilation time, morbidity, and mortality. Methods: The participants were 143 neonates in the ICU after having had cardiovascular surgery. The design for this study was an investigation of the blood glucose levels of the neonates and retrospective analysis of patient outcomes according to blood glucose level. Results: The results for the neonate groups showed that the factors of hospital stay, ICU stay, mechanical ventilation time and mortality, for the group with a blood glucose level over 140 mg/dL were longer and higher than for the group with blood glucose of less than 100 mg/dL or the group between 100-139 mg/dL. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that when caring for neonates after cardiovascular surgery, it is important to recognize the influence of blood glucose levels on patient outcomes like hospital days, ICU stay, length of time on mechanical ventilation and mortality. Further, care guidelines for neonates' glucose level management need to be developed.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2018

Background: Patient-centered care has recently become highly recommended, because it can improve health outcomes more effectively than problem-oriented care. The goal attainment scale (GAS) is one of the methods used for patient-centered care. It was originally developed as an outcome measurement tool, but it can also be used as a therapeutic intervention when setting quantifiable patient-centered goals. Objects: We sought to identify the effect of setting patient-centered goals on rehabilitation outcomes in patients with subacute stoke using GAS. Methods: Overall, 46 subjects with subacute stroke were divided into experimental ($n_1=23$) and control ($n_2=23$) groups. Subjects in both groups attended physical therapy sessions five times a week for four weeks. Those in the experimental group set goals using goal-attainment scaling. The mobility of each subject was evaluated using the Rivermead mobility index (RMI); daily-living activities, using the K-modified Barthel index (K-MBI); participation, using the Hopkins rehabilitation-engagement rating scale (HRERS); satisfaction, using the patient-satisfaction scale (PSS). Results: Subjects in the experimental group experienced more significant increases in RMI, HRERS, and PSS than those in the control group (p<.05, p<.05 and p<.01, respectively). After four weeks, GAS scores of the experimental group had increased more significantly than those of baseline (p<.01). Conclusion: Setting patient-centered goals is effective in improving the mobility and satisfaction of patients with subacute stoke. Setting patient-centered goals needs to be performed more frequently in clinical settings.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.414-425
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• 2024

Objective: This study aims to explore the opinions on the insurance coverage of artificial intelligence (AI), as categorized based on the distinct value elements offered by AI, with a specific focus on patient-centered outcomes (PCOs). PCOs are distinguished from traditional clinical outcomes and focus on patient-reported experiences and values such as quality of life, functionality, well-being, physical or emotional status, and convenience. Materials and Methods: We classified the value elements provided by AI into four dimensions: clinical outcomes, economic aspects, organizational aspects, and non-clinical PCOs. The survey comprised three sections: 1) experiences with PCOs in evaluating AI, 2) opinions on the coverage of AI by the National Health Insurance of the Republic of Korea when AI demonstrated benefits across the four value elements, and 3) respondent characteristics. The opinions regarding AI insurance coverage were assessed dichotomously and semi-quantitatively: non-approval (0) vs. approval (on a 1-10 weight scale, with 10 indicating the strongest approval). The survey was conducted from July 4 to 26, 2023, using a web-based method. Responses to PCOs and other value elements were compared. Results: Among 200 respondents, 44 (22%) were patients/patient representatives, 64 (32%) were industry/developers, 60 (30%) were medical practitioners/doctors, and 32 (16%) were government health personnel. The level of experience with PCOs regarding AI was low, with only 7% (14/200) having direct experience and 10% (20/200) having any experience (either direct or indirect). The approval rate for insurance coverage for PCOs was 74% (148/200), significantly lower than the corresponding rates for other value elements (82.5%-93.5%; P ≤ 0.034). The approval strength was significantly lower for PCOs, with a mean weight ± standard deviation of 5.1 ± 3.5, compared to other value elements (P ≤ 0.036). Conclusion: There is currently limited demand for insurance coverage for AI that demonstrates benefits in terms of non-clinical PCOs.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.4
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• pp.352-356
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• 2016

Objective : The efficacy and safety of manual aspiration thrombectomy using Penumbra in an acute occlusion of large intracranial arteries has been proven in many previous studies. Our study aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy and safety of manual aspiration thrombectomy using Penumbra in patients with small vessel occlusions (M2 segment of the MCA). Methods : We conducted a retrospective review of 32 patients who underwent manual aspiration thrombectomy using the Penumbra 4 MAX Reperfusion Catheter for treatment of an M2 occlusion between January 2013 and November 2014. We evaluated immediate angiographic results and clinical outcomes through review of patient electronic medical records. Results : There were slightly more men in this study (M : F=18 : 14) and the median age was 72.5 (age range : 41-90). The rate of successful recanalization (TICI grade ${\geq}2b$) was 84% (27/32). NIHSS at discharge and favorable clinical outcomes at 3 months were significantly improved than baseline. Median initial NIHSS score was 10 (range : 4-25) and was 4 (range : 0-14) at discharge. Favorable clinical outcomes (mRS score ${\leq}2$ at 3 months) were seen in 25 out of 32 patients (78%). There were no procedure-related symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhages. One patient expired after discharge due to a cardiac problem. Conclusion : Manual aspiration thrombectomy might be safe and is capable of achieving a high rate of successful recanalization and favorable clinical outcomes in patients with distal cerebral vessel occlusion (M2).

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.312-322
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• 2023

Background: Silicone radial head prostheses (SRHP) are considered obsolete due to reports of frequent failure and destructive silicone-induced synovitis. Considering the good outcomes of modern non-radial silicone joint implants, the extent of scientific evidence for this negative view is unclear. The aim of this research was to systematically analyze the clinical evidence on complications and outcomes of SRHP and how SRHP compare to both non-SRHP and silicone prostheses of other joints. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted through the Cochrane, PubMed, and Embase databases. Results: Eight cohort studies were included, consisting of 142 patients and follow-up periods ranging from 23 months to 8 years. Average patient satisfaction was 86%, range of 71%-100%, and 58 complications were seen, but no cases of synovitis. These outcomes were in line with non-SRHP. Four case series with 11 cases of synovitis were found, all due to implant fractures years to decades after implantation. Six systematic reviews of currently used non-radial silicone joint implants showed excellent outcomes with low complication rates. Conclusions: Since SRHP have satisfactory clinical results and an acceptable complication rate when selecting a patient group in suitable condition for surgical indications, it is considered that SRHP can still be chosen as a potential surgical treatment method in current clinical practice.

• Korean Journal of Transplantation
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.182-192
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• 2017

Background: In recent years, introduction of novel immunosuppressive agents and its proper implementation for clinical practice have contributed to improving clinical outcomes of kidney transplantation (KT). Here, we report clinical outcomes of KTs and related risk factors. Methods: From July 1998 to June 2016, 354 KTs (182 from living and 172 from deceased donors) have been performed at Ulsan University Hospital. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of KT recipients, then estimated graft and patient survival rate were estimated and analyzed risk factors using Cox-regression. Results: The median follow-up period was 53 months (range; 3 to 220 months). The mean ages of recipients and donors were 45.0 years (SD, 12.5) and 44.7 years (SD, 13.6) years, respectively. During follow-up, 18 grafts were lost and 5- and 10-year death-censored graft survival was 96.7% and 91.5%, respectively. Biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) occurred in 71 patients (55 cases of acute cellular rejection and 16 of antibody-mediated rejection). Cox-regression analysis showed that BPAR was a risk factor related to graft loss (hazard ratio [HR], 14.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.79 to 54.53; P<0.001). In addition, 15 patients died, and the 5- and 10-year patient survival was 97.2% and 91.9%, respectively. Age ≥60 years (HR, 6.03; 95% CI, 1.12 to 32.61; P=0.037) and diabetes (HR, 6.18; 95% CI, 1.35 to 28.22; P=0.019) were significantly related to patient survival. Conclusions: We experienced excellent clinical outcomes of KT in terms of graft failure and patient survival despite the relatively high proportion of deceased donors. Long-term and short-term clinical outcomes have improved in the last two decades.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.691-702
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• 2001

Objectives : This study was done to assess the effects of the clinical interchange between the Western Medicine and the Oriental Medicine for ischemic stroke patients. The patient outcomes include changes in neurologic function by modified NIH stoke scale, stroke pattern identification scale, and patient satisfaction, Methods : For the assessment of effects, this study was performed with 178 inpatients who had undergone the stroke care at three hospitals (W Hospital adopted western therapy, S Oriental Hospital adopted Sasang constitution medicine therapy, and H Oriental Hospital adopted mixed therapy according to a joint protocol on Western Oriental medical care) from November 1997 to December 1998. Patients were interviewed or written with self-entered questionnaire forms, and clinical data were obtained, Physicians or oriental doctors wrote clinical questionnaire forms according to the care process. Results : The patient outcomes within three hospitals at 2 stages (at admission and discharge in the modified NIH stroke scale. at admission and second weeks during admission in the stroke pattern identification scale) were found to be decreased, Especially in the results of hierarchical multiple regression analysis, the degree of improvement of modified NIH stroke scale of the stroke patients at W Hospital was significant large than it at S Oriental Hospital. Also, the degree of improvement of stroke pattern identification scale at W Hospital was significantly large than it at other two hospitals. However, the patient's satisfaction score at three hospitals wasn't significantly different. Conclusions : The result of this study suggested that the joint clinical research of Western & Oriental medical practitioners was possible even if there was a conflict between Western Medicine and Oriental Medicine. Therefore Western & Oriental medical practitioners share a mutual responsibility to apply evidence-based practice, to seek scientific empirical proof through randomized clinical trials between the multicenter.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.86-97
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• 2017

Purpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is very common among postoperative orthopedic surgical patients with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), especially for narcotics. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an evidence-based PONV management protocol on nursing and patient outcomes. Methods: A methodological study was conducted to develop PONV protocol and a quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of protocol. The preliminary PONV protocol was drawn by conducting a systematic review and by reviewing clinical guidelines and best practice recommendations. Validation of the content was done by expert clinicians, and the clinical applicability was evaluated by staff nurses and patients. The effect was evaluated in clinical outcomes associated with PONV and nursing outcomes. Results: In the experimental group, the occurrence of vomiting (z= 2.147) was significantly decreased, the maintenance PCA (${\chi}^2=4.212$) and the satisfaction of patients (z= 5.007) were significantly higher. In the outcomes of nurses, the PONV knowledge of nursing care (z = 3.791), awareness (z = 2.982) and self-efficacy (z= 2.745) were higher in the experimental group. The attitude towards evidence-based nursing practice (z= 2.446) was significantly positive. Conclusion: The results show that an evidence-based approach to the implementation of PONV care is effective in improving patient clinical outcomes and quality of care.