• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2023

Objectives: To standardize treatment, improve quality of medical service, and reduce medical costs of patients with depression by developing a clinical pathway (CP) of Korean medicine. Methods: CP was developed based on clinical practice guideline (CPG) for depression. To consider the degree of economic burden and satisfaction, the current status of management for patients with depression was examined. After CP was primarily developed, contents of the CP were supplemented by referring to previously developed CPs. Results: Based on CPG, current status survey and previous CP, four types of CP (Korean medicine clinics, Korean medicine hospitals, Western-Korean medicine collaborative hospitals, public medical center) were developed and shown in the algorithm version. However, in the case of Korean medicine hospitals and Western-Korean medicine collaborative hospitals, CPs were detailed according to different clinical scenes of outpatients and inpatients. This study also shows six different time task matrix version. Conclusions: CP for depression is expected to not only reduce financial burden of patients and health insurance, but also increase the quality of treatment and satisfaction.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.123-131
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience and perception of using Korean medicine treatments for patients with mental disorders. Methods: The method of a qualitative analysis was used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The researchers developed the survey questionnaires with consultation from psychiatrists from various university hospitals. Before conducting interviews, an IRB was approved KHSIRB-21-131 (RA), and the Hankook Research Company managed the interviews. The question composition comprised 11 questions based on symptoms and treatment situations accompanying treatment due to mental distress, perception of Korean medicine, awareness of treatment costs, and awareness of treatment costs. Results: A total of six patients were interviewed. Each interviewee took 90 minutes to answer questions. Through the analysis of the data, the patients comprised four categories: characteristics, awareness of Korean medicine, awareness of Western treatment, and daily life due to mental disorder. The experience and perception of patients using Korean medicine showed positive attitudes. There was an opinion among patients that Korean medicine treatment was less dependent on drugs, and had fewer side effects, than Western medicine. Some patients said that Korean medical treatment is expensive and burdensome medical expenses. Some patients were not aware of the application of insurance to mitigate medical expenses. Conclusions: Based on the findings of the study, it is urgent to expand the application of insurance benefits to Korean medicine.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.125-143
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• 2002

The objectives of this study were analysis of patient\`s characteristics and market segmentation in oriental medical care and western medical care. This study focused on medical utilization using Anderson's health utilization model. The source of data was 1998 National Health and Nutrition Survey which Korean Institute For Health and Social Affairs carried out. A stratified multistage probability sampling design was used in this survey. The analysis was conducted using the statistical software package SPSS version 10.0 and Answer Tree 2.1 which is one of data mining methodology. The results were as follows ; 1) 44.9% of respondents reported visiting oriental medical center within recent two weeks. 3.4% of them used oriental medical care. The group of age, kind of disease and medical expenditure are associated with the difference western and oriental medical utilization rate. 2) There were several factors related to utilization of oriental medical care according to decision tree. Especially, important factors that patient chose his medical center were kinds of disease, kinds of common medical use, and expenditure. 3) in the results of CART analysis, market of oriental medical care were classified by seven categories. The major groups who have a preference for oriental medicine were those musculo-skeletal, cerebra-vascular disease, or chronic headache patients, and they had a preference fur oriental medical care in common use. These results show that oriental and western medical market were divided into various areas by market segmentation.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.1-22
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• 2003

Since 1990s, the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine(CAM) has been rising rapidly all of the world. In 1983, WHO recommended that the traditional medicine actively be utilized. At the end of 20th century, as chronic and intractable diseases increased in western countries, traditional medicine has attracted considerable attention. COWM shows possibilities of new approaches for these intractable diseases. Thus, we try to show our proper approach of COWM through the international comparative study. In order to fulfill the objectives, we applied the following methodology: 1) Literature review on previous study, 2) Local survey using self-administered questionnaire, and 3) FGI(Focus Group Interview) with local experts. The results were as follows : Three Asian countries, China, Korea and Taiwan, are very active in implementing COWM policy. Japan, however, has independent system of unified medicine. In regards to the combined care policy and system, China has the most advanced COWM system among four countries. In respect to combined care education, it is needed to increase the COWM education contents and the amount of cross educational curriculum. Based on the current COWM system, Chinese, Japanese and Taiwanese doctors can prescribe both oriental and western drugs. But, Korean medical law prohibits western doctors and oriental doctors from prescribing the counterpart´s medicine. So, the revision of current medical law is urgent for COWM in Korea. And when it comes to patient satisfaction, more than fifty percent responded positively in China, Korea and Taiwan. To achieve the goal of COWM ; 1) mutual understanding and recognition of COWM is essential. 2) institutional and legal support system for COWM is desperately urgent. 3) possible international collaboration and cooperation should be sought to untangle these complex cultural dilemmas.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.51-67
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• 2011

The average human life span has increased due to the development of modern medicine and science, resulting in prolonged life expectancy and increase in the population counts of the geriatric age group. In particular, a dramatic increase of elderly patients suffering from senile disorders including neurodegenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease(AD), and vascular dementia has become a serious social problem in public health. Thus, this study is aimed to summarize available clinical trial data on several commonly used medicines include donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine, memantine and oriental medicine, and examine the effect of oriental medicine combined with western medicine in the treatment of patients with senile disorders using the data from literature reviews and survey studies.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.1-23
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• 1999

The purpose of this paper is to survey the current status of service utilization in oriental medicine, to identify the determinants of consumers' decision in the service utilization, and then suggest policy implications for promoting the consumers' utilization. A multiple regression model was adopted to analyze the factors that influence consumer's decision in purchasing the oriental medical services. Data used in this research relied on National Survey Data conducted by Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs, and sampling survey. The results could be summarized as follows.: 1. the number of visits to oriental medical institutions has shown an overall increase during the last decade since the inception of health insurance for oriental medical services. It still, however, revealed a relatively iow figure to western medical services. 2. the main factors, after controlling demographic variables, that determine consumers' selection between oriental medical services and western medical services are considered to be price, belief in effectiveness of services, waiting time for service. Implications for policy recommendation include 1. to reduce a barrier to service utilization by discounting dramatically the price of herb medicine, which is believed to be crucial in expanding market share, 2. to encourage consumer's belief in clinical effectiveness through a specialization in competitive services compared with wertern medicine, 3. to keep the affirmative image among consumers alive through an active participation of oriental medical doctors in community activities, 4 to change the health care system in favor of oriental medicine in the long run.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.245-251
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• 2023

Background: The incidence of facial palsy has been increasing. Many patients consult both Korean and Western physicians; however, no critical pathway (CP) for facial palsy has been established based on integrated medicine including Korean medicine, Western medicine, and complementary and alternative medicine. Thus, we developed and implemented an integrated CP for patients with acute facial palsy and investigated the satisfaction with CP. Methods: Overall, 20 patients who received treatment following the CP and 20 medical staff members involved in their care responded to a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire was developed based on a review of previous studies and focused on the satisfaction with the CP. Results: Patients' satisfaction score with the integrated CP was ≥ 4.4 for all items using a 5-point Likert-type scale. Smooth and cooperative treatment procedures, time-saving practices, and a clear explanation of the integrated treatment plan were satisfactory factors. Additionally, they preferred incorporating specialized facial massage and receiving education on self-exercise or massage techniques as complementary therapies. The medical staff members expressed a high level of satisfaction with the CP; however, the work division and treatment guidelines must be improved. Conclusion: An integrated CP program for acute facial palsy was implemented, and the satisfaction levels of patients and medical staff members were assessed. The results revealed high levels of satisfaction, and several improvements identified will be incorporated into clinical practice going forward.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.100-113
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• 2024

Objectives: Following the global COVID-19 pandemic, with the escalation of remote medical care formalization in Korea, there is a pressing need for objective data in the Korean medicine field to respond to remote treatment medical care policies. This study aims to investigate the perceptions and acceptance of remote treatments among Korean Medicine Doctors (KMDs). Methods: After expert reviews and pilot testing, the 31-question survey covered participant characteristics, experiences, forms, intentions, and perceptions related to Remote Treatments. The survey was electronically distributed to members of the Association of Korean Medicine, and 662 clinical KMDs provided valid responses. Results: Among respondents, 76.1% engaged in remote treatments, utilizing various platforms. Those with experience in Remote Treatments showed a significantly higher willingness to continue participating during the institutionalization process (p<0.001). 49.7% of respondents stated that traditional Korean medicine is competitive in remote treatments, with the main reasons being the ability for regular management after herbal medication(26.1%) and increased patient satisfaction due to sufficient counseling compared to Western medicine(25.2%). Respondents preferred Remote Treatment conditions with a treatment time of less than 10 minutes(47.6%) and equivalent fees to in-person visits(45.6%). Regarding suitable intervention tools during Remote Treatment, respondents favored non-covered herbal prescriptions(39.0%), covered herbal granules(24.6%), and non-covered herbal granules(23.0%). Conclusion: This study investigated the perceptions and acceptance of KMDs regarding remote treatments. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers aiming to establish effective policies for Remote Treatments suitable for the Korean medicine healthcare environment.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.134-140
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• 2018

This study aims to evaluate healthcare providers' satisfaction and demands pertaining to the collaborative first-stage pilot project between Korean medicine and Western medicine. This survey was conducted via electronic mail among 33 healthcare providers participating in the pilot project. Likert type 5-point scale or Likert type 7-point scale was used to evaluate each item. The response of '${\geq}4$' on the 5-point scale, and '${\geq}5$' on the 7-point scale were analyzed as positive answers. A total of 27 healthcare providers (81.8%) responded, of which 9 were western medical doctors (33.3%) and 18 were Korean medical doctors (66.7%). In respect to satisfaction of the pilot project, 88.9% gave positive responses on improved patients' convenience, 59.3% on treatment efficiency and 55.6% on diagnosis efficiency. In terms of self-evaluation on the pilot project, 70.4% gave positive answers on changes in quality of collaborative treatment, 74.1% on cooperation of results, 63.0% on cooperation of structure and 51.9% on cooperation of process. In terms of demand for collaborative treatment or the pilot project, 'standardized manual' and 'simplification of administrative procedures' showed highest demand, resulting up to 88.9%, followed by 85.2% demanding more public relations and 63.9% demanding enlargement of participating hospitals. This survey revealed that healthcare providers are generally satisfied with patients' convenience and treatment effects. Further studies are needed to develop a standardized manual, simplified administrative procedures, and expanded pilot project contents.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.29-41
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• 2009

Objectives : This study was performed to compare consciousness of doctors on cooperative practices of western medicine and traditional Korean medicine, and to provide policy implication for development of cooperative practices. Methods : The structured questionnaires were mailed to 132 doctors working in non-cooperative practicing university hospital and 77 doctors working in cooperative practicing hospitals in Busan metropolitan city. The response rate was 40.2% and 40.3% respectively. This survey was performed from 10 Oct. 2008 to 31 Oct. 2008. Results : The doctors working in general hospital had comparatively negative consciousness on basic concept, value and necessity for cooperative practices and traditional Korean medicine. In regards with disease treatment's effectiveness of cooperative practices, both groups evaluated musculoskeletal and immune disease were more effective than others. There were positive relationships between perception for cost-effectiveness and consciousness on intention to participate cooperative practices(p<0.05). Also doctors who experienced traditional medicine treatment had positive consciousness on cooperative practices(p=0.05). Conclusions : To activate cooperative practices of western medicine and traditional Korean medicine, some efforts should be carried out. These include promoting cooperative education programs in medical schools and traditional Korean medical schools, doing research on cost-effectiveness of cooperative practices, and trying to minimize legal and systemic restrictions for cooperative practices.