• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.100-108
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• 2022

Korean medicine has traditionally provided a lot of medical care for the treatment of infertility. The combination treatment of Korean medicine and Western medicine can be effective for infertility to improve the problems caused by the extremely low fertility rate and the aging of pregnant women. In relation to female infertility, we reviewed the evidence for Korean medicine treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome, which has recently been increasing interest in female infertility, and the evidence for the collaboration between Korean and Western medicine in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome and infertility. Because polycystic ovary syndrome is closely related to metabolic diseases related to endocrine abnormalities, hormone treatment alone has limited therapeutic effects and has side effects. In domestic and international research, herbal medicine and acupuncture in the treatment of infertility have shown good clinical effects based on the hypothesis of various mechanisms of effect, and many cases of successful pregnancy have been reported. Although continuous research through large-scale randomized clinical studies is needed to prove efficacy, the importance of combined treatment of Korean medicine and Western medicine in infertility treatment is increasing in order to solve the extremely low fertility rate. Combining artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization with Korean medicine treatment is highly likely to be effective in increasing pregnancy success and fertility rates. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which is recognized as a metabolic disease due to endocrine abnormalities among the causes of female infertility, Korean medicine treatment can increase the pregnancy rate with herbal medicines and acupuncture, etc. Although well-designed large-scale clinical studies are currently lacking and meta-analysis has not provided sufficient evidence, the combination treatment of Korean medicine and Western medicine is more active to increase the pregnancy rate for solving the problem of low fertility.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.328-335
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• 2022

Background: Case-based learning (CBL) is becoming an important approach for improving interprofessional collaboration education. Previous studies have examined learners' satisfaction with interprofessional education (IPE) in medical institutions. However, there are few studies on the implementation of university-led CBL interventions and their direct effects on learning outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CBL interventions on changes in the participants' perception and knowledge acquisition ability. Methods: The CBL approach consisted of team-based case-based learning, self-directed learning, and post-feedback. It was conducted as a single course for pharmacy students in their 5th year in a university setting. Changes in the participants' perceptions and self-assessments of competence levels were evaluated using survey responses. The effect of the CBL intervention on knowledge acquisition ability was directly evaluated using the exam score. Results: The majority agreed or strongly agreed that team-based case-based learning, and self-directed learning helped them to improve their knowledge and skills to a higher level and to increase the self-assessment of competency level. The average score of knowledge acquisition ability (average score of 75.0, p=0.0098) was significantly higher in the CBL intervention group than the lecture-based learning intervention group (average score of 52.0). Conclusion: The participants positively perceived that CBL intervention helped them to effectively improve their knowledge and the self-assessment of competency level. It also enhanced knowledge acquisition ability. These data, based on the survey responses, suggest that it is necessary to implement CBL interventions in a university-led single professional education.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.121-133
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• 2023

PURPOSE: Computerization using ICF as a protocol can enhance the assessment, communication, and decision-making of various disciplines and cultures, individual functions, disabilities and health to promote communication and understanding among various professionals, organizations, and countries. The empirical foundation for these propositions was provided by delineating of six distinct computerization components. METHODS: This study analyzed 14 papers that combined the medical field and information technology to activate the ICF through computerization. From each of these papers, distinctive advantages were extracted to propose six computerization elements. The validity of these computerization elements was examined. These papers encompass various computerization elements, among which core elements were identified. In particular, six common core elements were extracted from these papers and assumed to be strategic computerization components for ICF activation. A heuristic methodology was employed to validate these components, representing IT technology maturity using four determining indices, which were then presented graphically for validation attempts. RESULTS: Four quantified indices were defined: reliability, cost-effectiveness, support and updates, and collaboration. Using these indices, this study identified elements that leverage existing IT technologies and require new development. The possibility of increasing utility was identified by applying computerization to ICF. CONCLUSION: This study examined the strategic elements of utilizing ICF by computerizing it using a protocol concept and discussed its potential for utilization. The potential to enhance the value of information in social, physical, and cultural contexts was presented by integrating various domains and data within the ICF framework.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.95-106
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• 2023

Purpose: This study is descriptive survey research on the analysis of nurses' perception of the 4th industrial revolution and the importance and performance of future core nursing competencies in a tertiary hospital located in Seoul. Methods: Data were collected from 149 nurses with more than a year of work experience and analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Importance Performance Analysis(IPA) with the IBM SPSS/WIN 25.0 program. Results: The nurses' perception of the 4th industrial revolution was 3.23±0.71 out of 5 points. The importance of future core nursing competencies was 4.31±0.48, and the performance of it was 3.47±0.54. The analysis results of IPA showed that A (area of continuous maintenance) included critical thinking, problem-solving skills, teamwork and collaboration, evidence-based practice, communication, quality improvement and safety, professionalism, self-regulation and self-management, and personal literacy. The specific competencies were not included in B (area of priority improvement). Creativity, informatics, healthcare policy, leadership, research ability, and continuing education were included in C (area of progressive improvement). Knowledge and patient-centered care, ability to manage resources as well as professional, legal, and ethical responsibility were included in D (area of overinvestment). Conclusion: The nurses seemed not to be fully prepared for the 4th industrial revolution. However, they were well aware of the importance of the future core nursing competencies. Therefore, if nurses increase the performance of core competencies in order of priority according to the IPA results, they will be able to independently lead the changing nursing field.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.154-168
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• 2023

Background: Legal regulations and fees have been established in Korea to provide visiting oral health care services to individuals with long-term care insurance (LTCI). However, beneficiaries of this service are very limited. Therefore, to improve the Korean system we propose a comparative analysis with the Japanese system. Methods: This study is a descriptive analysis based on secondary data, such as statistics, laws, and service record forms from Korea and Japan. The most recent institutional documents were obtained through a Google search. The variables investigated were financial resources of LTCI, co-payment structure, monthly limit of LTCI benefits, care levels of LTCI, service providers, service costs, contents of service, and the number of cases of service. Results: In both Korea and Japan, LTCI is financed through a combination of taxes and insurance premiums. However, the monthly limit for receiving LTCI services in Japan is about 2.4 times higher than in Korea. Visiting medical and dental treatment is also possible in Japan. Furthermore, nursing staff can provide daily oral health care services according to dental hygienists' instruction unlike Korea. Oral health care services in Korea are focused on oral hygiene and prevention of oral diseases, while Japan additionally provides oral function screening, patient education for oral health management, and training for nursing staff to enhance oral function, eating, and swallowing of the patients. Conclusion: We concluded that the possibility of visiting dental treatment, differences in monthly limit of LTCI benefits, oral function assessment and guidance, as well as collaboration with other healthcare professionals contributed to the difference in the frequency of utilization of visiting oral health care services between Korea and Japan.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.201-201
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• 2023

Objectives: Cupping therapy (CT) has been widely used in traditional medicine worldwide for various indications, including stroke. The aim of this study was to systematically review the clinical evidence of CT for stroke. Methods: To identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effectiveness and/or safety of CT, seven databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles published from January 2000 to February 2021 without language restrictions. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software and the results were presented as mean difference (MD) or standard mean difference (SMD) for continuous variables and odds ratio (OR) for diverse variables with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Assessment of the methodological quality of the eligible trials was conducted using the Cochrane Collaboration tool for risk of bias in RCTs. Results: Twenty-two RCTs with 1653 participants were included in the final analysis. CT provided additional benefit in improving upper limb motor function (Fugl-Meyer assessment for upper limb motor function, MD 6.91, 95% CI 4.64 to 1.67, P<0.00001) and spasticity (response rate, OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.31 to 8.22, P=0.08) in stroke survivors receiving conventional medical treatment. These findings were supported with a moderate level of evidence. CT did not significantly increase the occurrence of adverse events. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the potential of CT to be beneficial in managing a variety of complications in stroke survivors. However, to compensate for the shortcomings of the existing evidence, rigorously designed large-scale RCTs are warranted in the future.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.315-332
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• 2023

PURPOSE. This study aimed to investigate whether the accuracy of intraoral scanners is influenced by different scanning strategies in an in vitro setting, through a systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 standard. The following PICOS approach was used: population, tooth impressions; intervention, the use of intraoral scanners with scanning strategies different from the manufacturer's instructions; control, the use of intraoral scanners following the manufacturers' requirements; outcome, accuracy of intraoral scanners; type of studies, in vitro. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across various databases including Embase, SciELO, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were based on in vitro studies that reported the accuracy of digital impressions using intraoral scanners. Analysis was performed using Review Manager software (version 5.3.5; Cochrane Collaboration, Copenhagen, Denmark). Global comparisons were made using a standardized mean difference based on random-effect models, with a significance level of α = 0.05. RESULTS. The meta-analysis included 15 articles. Digital impression accuracy significantly improved under dry conditions (P < 0.001). Moreover, trueness and precision were enhanced when artificial landmarks were used (P ≤ 0.02) and when an S-shaped pattern was followed (P ≤ 0.01). However, the type of light used did not have a significant impact on the accuracy of the digital intraoral scanners (P ≥ 0.16). CONCLUSION. The accuracy of digital intraoral scanners can be enhanced by employing scanning processes using artificial landmarks and digital impressions under dry conditions.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.203-213
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• 2023

Objectives This study aimed to develop a Korean medicine (KM) clinical practice guideline for myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) via the collaboration of clinical and methodological experts. Methods The study will include an initial survey to establish a common understanding of MPS. To develop the clinical guideline, a multidisciplinary development group was formed. The group will finalize the clinical questions based on a preliminary draft. The GRADE methodology is going to be applied to determine the level of evidence and grading of the recommendations. Finally, approval from the relevant medical societies will be obtained. Results A protocol for developing a KM clinical guideline for MPS was presented. Before finalizing the clinical key questions, a literature search was conducted according to the protocol, and a draft of 19 clinical key questions was established. Conclusions An evidence-based KM clinical guideline for MPS is expected to contribute to the management of MPS. This may also serve as a reference for the development of other KM clinical practice guidelines in the future.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.541-549
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• 2023

Background Despite its many advantages, prepectoral breast reconstruction also carries the risk of implant rippling. The recent introduction of partial superior implant coverage using a pectoralis muscle slip in prepectoral direct-to-implant (DTI) breast reconstruction has shown the potential to minimize upper pole rippling. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with rippling and the effectiveness of our surgical technique. Methods In total, 156 patients (186 breasts) who underwent prepectoral DTI breast reconstruction between August 2019 and March 2021 were identified retrospectively. Patient data were analyzed from medical records. Univariable and multivariable logistic analyses were performed to contextualize the risks associated with rippling deformity relative to demographic characteristics and other clinical factors. Retrospective propensity-matched analysis was performed to identify the relationship between rippling deformity and the reconstruction method. Results Patients with body mass index (BMI; odds ratio [OR], 0.736; p < 0.001), those with a postoperative chemotherapy history (OR, 0.324; p = 0.027) and those who received breast reconstruction via the superior coverage technique (OR, 0.2; p = 0.004), were less likely to develop rippling deformity. The median follow-up period was 64.9 weeks, and there were no significant differences between patients in types of mastectomy, implant, or acellular dermal matrix. Patients who underwent superior coverage technique-based reconstruction showed significantly reduced rippling (OR, 0.083; p = 0.017) Conclusion Patients with higher BMI and prior postoperative chemotherapy were less likely to develop rippling deformity. The superior coverage technique can be effective in minimizing upper pole rippling.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.32-40
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• 2010

Purpose: The survey was aimed to provide basic data to develop a certification system for hospice and palliative care professionals. Methods: National Cancer Center (NCC) and the Korean Society for Hospice & Palliative Care (KSHPC) conducted the survey for hospice and palliative care professionals who worked at 34 Palliative care units designated by the Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs (MW) and the members of the KSHPC. The survey was conducted via e-mail from June 17 to 23, 2009. Total 220 professionals were surveyed. Results: Most of the hospice and palliative care professionals reported a great need for certification system: Physician, 90% (n=51) nurse, 84% (n=134) social worker, 89% (n=35). In regard with the requirement for the certification, a majority of physicians (46%) preferreddiploma course, while social workers (46%) preferred training course for medical social workers. Concerning the certification body, physician (45%) preferred the KSHPC and the MW almost equally, while nurses (50%) and social workers (60%) preferred the MW highly. As for the body to develop and accredit advance training course for each professionals, most of the physicians (51%) preferred the KSHPC, whereas nurses and social workers preferred collaboration of the MW (or NCC) with the professional society, such as the KSHPC (23%), the Korean Hospice & Palliative nurses association for nurses (21%), or the Korean association of (medical) social workers (37%). Lastly, all respondents preferred the course format of once a week, full day, and some field study at weekend. Conclusion: Korean hospice and palliative care professionals identified the great need for the certification system, therefore, the adequate system development must be followed to reflect their voice.