• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.29-37
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• 2020

Purposes: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors related to the long-stay hospitalization of dementia patients aged 65 years or older who had received inpatient care at geriatric hospitals according to the minute facility characteristics and patient features. Methodology: This study was conducted on 317,353 cases of 1,512 geriatric hospitals using the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service dataset. The data collected were processed using the SAS Enterprise Guide 4.3 for descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, and the binary logistic regression analysis. Findings: As a result of the study, in the facility characteristics of geriatric hospitals, the long-stay hospitalization of the aged with dementia were found to be related to the type of facility establishment, the number of hospital beds, the number of medical specialists, the number of nursing personnel, and the number of geriatric hospitals by region and province. In the personal features of patients, the long-stay hospitalization was found to be associated with the gender, age, insurance, and the patient classification groups. Practical Implication: Considering the results of this study, it seems that securing the sufficient medical personnel in a geriatric facility, providing the good quality medical services, and preparing the appropriate discharge plan can reduce the unnecessary long-stay hospitalization and spend the medical expenses for the older patients.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.37-49
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to investigate the level of competition between Public Health Centers (PHCs) and private clinics (PCs) by examining the number of patients that used PHCs vs. PCs, estimating the total amount of revenue generated from outpatient services at both PHCs and PCs, thereby analyzing the financial impacts on PCs derived from the PHCs. We utilized 2011 National Inpatient Sample data (NIS). Using the 20 table containing general information on each individual claims, we integrate it with the 40 table which contains all the diagnostic codes for each claim. Then, we disaggregate the bundled claims into the original individual claims. Overall, 3.1% of outpatient visits are made at PHCs while the rest was made at the PCs (96.9%). Among the total claim costs of 6.34 billion USD (as of 2011), PHCs occupy 2.0% (124 million USD), and 98.0% are contributed to PCs (6.21 billion USD). The estimated economic losses of PCs due to PHCs are summarized as follow; the maximum potential loss is estimated at 198 million USD in total and 7,099 USD per clinic when we include all patient types; the minimum loss is estimated at 71 million USD in total and 2,540 USD per clinic where Medical Aid recipients and the elderly (aged 65 and over) are excluded. Our results confirm the potential economic effect on PCs due to PHCs providing outpatient services. PCs and PHCs are the most important players providing primary care in Korea. Unnecessary competition between PCs and PHCs is not desirable. Health authorities should carefully examine the healthcare services currently provided by PHCs and their impacts on PCs.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.425-430
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• 2020

Background: Asbestos exposure is associated with the development of the cancer malignant mesothelioma (MM). Measurement of soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) has been suggested as a method for detection of MM in its early stages. We prospectively examined SMRP levels in participants with asbestos exposure who are a group at a high risk of development of MM. Methods: This study was a follow-up of our cohort of 322 asbestos-exposed participants. No further participants developed MM or malignancy over the study period. Mean follow-up time was 22.9 months. Results: Mean (standard deviation) SMRP levels at baseline and follow-up were 0.94 (0.79) and 0.91 (0.86) nmol/L (p = 0.1033), respectively. Mean SMRP levels of the healthy individuals exposed to asbestos at baseline was significantly lower than those of participants with asbestosis and pleural plaques alone; similar patterns were found on follow-up measurements. There was a statistically significant effect of age on serial SMRP measurements. Our study confirms higher levels in participants with nonmalignant asbestos-related disorders. Levels decreased in asbestos-related disorders other than asbestosis, where a small increase was observed. We did not detect any further cases of malignancy. Conclusion: Monitoring programs for early detection of MM need to take into account increased SMRP levels found in benign asbestos-related diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.71-97
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the development and improvement direction of university education according to job type and investigate the types of knowledge required for employment after graduation for departments of emergency medical technology in preparation for the era of the fourth industrial revolution in a converged society. Methods: From June 3 to June 10, 2019, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 90 paramedics working in firefighting, hospitals, different industries, and emergency patient transportation. Data were analyzed using the software SPSS version 18.0. Results: For employment after graduation in departments of emergency medical technology, character and sincerity education should be strengthened. To prepare for the fourth industrial revolution, educational innovations such as improving the field practice system and devising a convergence curriculum are needed. Preparation for the fourth industrial revolution should be accomplished through the development of convergence subjects such as forensic science, information and communications technology, and safety engineering. Ninety percent of the study respondents indicated their need for convergence subjects. Conclusion: The demands of future society should be responded to flexibly by holding and conducting convergence subjects. Furthermore, preparations should be made in anticipation of a shortage of 120,000 college freshmen for the 2024-2025 school year by increasing the competitiveness of departments of emergency medical technology.

• Korean journal of aerospace and environmental medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.67-71
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• 2019

The health of licence holders (flight crew members and air traffic controllers) is recognized as an important element of aviation safety. The medical emergency symptoms that occur during the flight duty period without prior notice can interfere with human performance capabilities and threaten aviation safety. To prevent this, ICAO has been required to conduct a periodic medical assessment process of licence holders including routine analysis of in-flight incapacitation events and medical findings during medical to identify areas of increased medical risk and continuous reevaluation of the medical assessment process to concentrate on identified areas of increased medical risk. The supply and demand of licence holders have become a major issue due to the increase in air traffic around the world, and the pilot retirement age has been extended to 65 years. But, there is no significant change in the aviation medical assessments process. The follow up of the result of medical examination discovered through aviation medical examination is a very important part, but it has not been properly implemented, and the sick leaves and medical inflight incapacitation reporting system should be improved. The management of health risk factors for licence holders must be implemented to prevent aircraft accidents or aviation safety problems caused by health problems. In this paper, we propose the development plan and concrete improvement plan of the health risk management system of licence holders in Korea in terms of aviation safety.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.55-65
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of water exercise program on physical fitness, pain and quality of life(QoL) in patients with osteoarthritis. Methods: Thirty-four old women were divided into the exercise(EG, n=18) and control groups(CG, n=16) after 6-week self-help education program. The EG carried out 6-week supervised water exercise program(60min/day, 2days/wk). Physical fitness, pain, and QoL were assessed by Senior Fitness Test Manual(Rikli & Jones, 2005), Pain rating scale(0-10) and World Health Organization QoL BREF(Min et al., 2000), respectively. Results: Both EG and CG increased upper and lower-body strength(all, p<.05), which were measured by arm curl and chair stand, respectively. For flexibility test, the EG increased upper and lower body(all, p<.05). Balance of the EG increased(p<.05), but not in the CG. Pain significantly decreased in the EG post training(p=.000). However, both EG and CG did not significantly improve for QoL. Conclusion: Six weeks of water exercise program did induce significant improvement in physical fitness and pain control in patients with osteoarthritis.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.32-40
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• 2023

Background: Equating is a statistical procedure used to create a common measurement scale across two instruments. Item-level information should be taken into consideration so that scores can communicate interchangeably across the instruments. Objects: To investigate a common measurement scale across two health-related quality of life questionnaires (HRQOL) applied to various cancer survivors who underwent palliative care in healthcare institutions. Methods: A total of 139 cancer survivors who underwent palliative care were recruited from two rehabilitation hospitals and an oriental medicine hospital. Participants consisted of various cancer survivors who presented to the sites for palliative care. They were asked to fill out Korean versions of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) and EuroQOL-5 dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaires following the palliative care. For the item level comparison, the Rasch rating scale model was used to investigate how participants regarded individual test items of two instruments in relation to item difficulty calibrations. Results: All items except the three items fit the Rasch model. One item (anxiety/depression) of the EQ-5D and two items (dependence on medical aids and negative feelings) of the WHOQOL-BREF are misfit. The WHOQOL-BREF targets the survivors well, while the EQ-5D is able to target the survivors with lower HRQOL levels with some ceiling effects. By inspecting the item difficulty calibrations of the two instruments, five items of the WHOQOL-BREF are selected as common items in relation to the EQ-5D. These five items are considered compatible with each other. Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis reveals that the healthcare item of the WHOQOL-BREF vs the self-care item of the EQ-5D exhibits significant DIF. Conclusion: Findings suggest that one paired item should be taken into consideration when equating the WHOQOL-BREF and the EQ-5D applied to cancer survivors who underwent palliative care.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.96-107
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• 2024

Objectives: While several food assistance programs in the United States tackle food insecurity, a relatively new program, "Food is Medicine," (FIM) initiated in some cities not only addresses food insecurity but also targets chronic diseases by customizing the food delivered to its recipients. This review describes federal programs providing food assistance and evaluates the various sub-programs categorized under the FIM initiative. Methods: A literature search was conducted from July 7, 2023 to November 9, 2023 using the search term, "Food is Medicine", to identify articles indexed within three major electronic databases, PubMed, Medline, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL). Eligibility criteria for inclusion were: focus on any aspect of the FIM initiative within the United States, and publication as a peer-reviewed journal article in the English language. A total of 180 articles were retrieved; publications outside the eligibility criteria and duplicates were excluded for a final list of 72 publications. Supporting publications related to food insecurity, governmental and organizational websites related to FIM and other programs discussed in this review were also included. Results: The FIM program includes medically tailored meals, medically tailored groceries, and produce prescriptions. Data suggest that it has lowered food insecurity, promoted better management of health, improved health outcomes, and has, therefore, lowered healthcare costs. Conclusions: Overall, this umbrella program is having a positive impact on communities that have been offered and participate in this program. Limitations and challenges that need to be overcome to ensure its success are discussed.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.83-95
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• 2024

Objectives: This study analyzed the factors related to outpatient service to Western medicine (WM) and Korean medicine (KM) of Korean adults with depressed mood using data from the 2019 Korea Health Panel Study. Methods: The general characteristics according to group of 827 individuals, and the factors influencing the use of integrative medicine (IM) medical service were identified using the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression results. The factors were classified based on the Andersen healthcare utilization model. The results of regression analysis were presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Among the individuals of the study, 658 (79.6%) were in the WM group and 169 (20.4%) were in the IM group. In the WM group and the IM group, the presence of suicidal ideation was common at 37.7% and 43.2%, respectively. As a result of regression analysis, the living in Busan/Daegu/Ulsan/Gyeongsang compared to living in Seoul/Gyeonggi/Incheon [OR = 0.522 (95% CI = 0.328 to 0.830)], and presence of musculoskeletal [OR = 1.686 (95% CI = 1.071 to 2.653)] and mood disorders [OR = 1.737 (95% CI = 1.106 to 2.726)] were the most influential factors on the use of IM medical service. Conclusions: This study is the first in Korea to analyze the patterns of medical institution use and factors used in KM treatment among adults with depressed mood. The results of this study provide preliminary evidence for the contribution of KM to national mental health in the context of depression.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.243-245
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• 2024

Objectives: This study analyzed the factors related to outpatient service to Western medicine (WM) and Korean medicine (KM) of Korean adults with depressed mood using data from the 2019 Korea Health Panel Study. Methods: The general characteristics according to group of 827 individuals, and the factors influencing the use of integrative medicine (IM) medical service were identified using the Chi-square test and binary logistic regression results. The factors were classified based on the Andersen healthcare utilization model. The results of regression analysis were presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Among the individuals of the study, 658 (79.6%) were in the WM group and 169 (20.4%) were in the IM group. In the WM group and the IM group, the presence of suicidal ideation was common at 37.7% and 43.2%, respectively. As a result of regression analysis, the living in Busan/Daegu/Ulsan/Gyeongsang compared to living in Seoul/Gyeonggi/Incheon [OR = 0.522 (95% CI = 0.328 to 0.830)], and presence of musculoskeletal [OR = 1.686 (95% CI = 1.071 to 2.653)] and mood disorders [OR = 1.737 (95% CI = 1.106 to 2.726)] were the most influential factors on the use of IM medical service. Conclusions: This study is the first in Korea to analyze the patterns of medical institution use and factors used in KM treatment among adults with depressed mood. The results of this study provide preliminary evidence for the contribution of KM to national mental health in the context of depression.