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Survey of the Major Selection by and Occupational Consciousness of Freshmen Majoring in Dental Hygiene (일부 치위생과 신입생의 전공선택과 직업의식에 관한 조사연구)

  • Jang, Sung-Yeon;Choi, Eun-Jung;Hwang, Sun-Young
    • Journal of Korean Dental Hygiene Science
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.29-37
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    • 2021
  • Background: The selection of an occupation is typically based on individuals' personalities and the characteristics of occupations, which significantly affect occupational consciousness. The present study aimed to enhance the occupational achievement level of and provide fundamental data for student counseling in order to develop competitive professional workers by understanding the occupational consciousness of freshmen and motivating them as dental hygienists with career development plans, as freshmen majoring in dental hygiene eventually play a significant role in the field of dentistry as dental hygienists. Methods: The surveys were distributed to 160 freshmen in the dental hygiene department and were subsequently collected. The data from 142 surveys were used for analysis, as 18 surveys were excluded due to insincere responses. The survey contents included questions related to major selection and satisfaction, including motives for selecting a dental hygiene major, prior knowledge on a dental hygiene major and a career as a dental hygienist, satisfaction level of the major, and reasons for dissatisfaction in cases if applicable, as well as questions related to occupational consciousness, including career prospects for dental hygienists, opinions on the occupation, and conditions of job selection. Results: High employment rate with good salary level ranked highest (43.7%) among motives to apply the dental hygiene major, followed by the desire to be a professional worker (21.1%) and recommendation by acquaintances. Of those who responded, 50.7% indicated a normal level of satisfaction with the major, and 69.9% responded that they had prior knowledge regarding the dental hygiene major and/or field of dental hygiene. These results may be due to youth unemployment and the occurrence of job preparation immediately after students enter university, which is a result of the difficulty in job seeking. In terms of career prospects, 48.6% of students responded with "growing a little bit," followed by "growing a lot" (28.9%), "no difference from now" (21.1%), and "other" (1.4%). Regarding opinions on the occupation, 65.5% responded that occupation was an tool with which to make and income or a living, 23.2% responded that occupation was for dreams and self-realization, and 11.3% responded that occupation was for success in life and maintaining social status. Regarding the conditions of job selection, the responses included that the workplace had good working conditions (39.4%), good interpersonal relationships (21.8%), and a higher salary (18.3%). This may reflect the change in work ethics among university students, according to the trend of the times. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, we found that educational guidance to enhance the level of satisfaction with the major, and career guidance to understand and apply the clear vision and long-term job security are necessary.

Autonomic Nerve Change after Loess Bedding Radiating Far-infrared ray and energy (원적외선에너지 방출 황토침구 사용 후의 자율신경 변화에 대한 연구)

  • Lee, Ku Yeon;Lee, Hyung H.;Hahm, Suk Chan
    • Journal of Naturopathy
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.27-32
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    • 2020
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the autonomic nervous system of the human body after the use of ocher bedding radiating far-infrared rays to 15 insomnia subjects. Methods: Changes of autonomous nerve in the subjects after using loess bedding estimated by heart rate variability. Results: The mean HF before the use of ocher bedding was 220.8 msec2, and the mean after use decreased to 5.1 msec2. The average value of LF before use was 418.1 msec2, and the mean after use decreased to 5.2 msec2. The average before use of the VLF was 1463.3 msec2, and the average after use dropped to 6.8 msec2. The average value of TP before use was 977.3 msec2, and the average after use dropped to 6.7 msec2. The decrease in postoperative values of all four items was statistically significant, and the high value of the subjects before use inferred to be the reason that all of the subjects had high stress and anxiety due to their long-term sleep disorder. There was no significant difference in the pulses of the subjects before the use of the bedding. SDNN and RMSSD were not significantly different before and after use. Conclusions: Autonomic nerves HF, LF, VLF, TP frequency is evaluated to be affected by the investigation of far-infrared radiation that occurs ocher. This research data regarded as high value as primary data in this field.

Impact of Franchisor Leadership and Franchisee Marketing Efforts on Franchisee Dissatisfaction and Switching Intentions (프랜차이즈 가맹본부 리더십과 가맹점 마케팅 노력이 가맹점 불만족과 전환의도에 미치는 영향)

  • Han, In-Su;Lee, Phil-Soo;Park, Heung-Jin
    • The Korean Journal of Franchise Management
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    • v.7 no.1
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    • pp.31-44
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    • 2016
  • Purpose - This study aims to examine different impacts of franchisor's leadership and franchisee's marketing efforts on franchisee dissatisfaction and switching intentions, and to investigate how franchisee dissatisfaction plays a mediating role in the relationship between these constructs. This study attempted to fill the gap in the literature by treating the franchisee dissatisfaction as a mediator in the relationship between these constructs, identify how franchisor's leadership and franchisee's marketing efforts have effects on franchisee dissatisfaction, in turn, reduce switching intentions, and provide the managerial implications for building a long-term relationship to achieve mutual goals between franchisors and franchisees Research design, data, and methodology - In order to test the hypotheses, the data were collected from franchisees in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. The franchisee owners were informed about the purpose of this study by the trained interviewers. The respondents received a letter introducing the purpose of this study and another letter that the owners wrote to encourage their active participation. Among the 300 questionnaires distributed, 260 (86.7%) questionnaires were returned. Of those collected questionnaires, 6 uncompleted responses were excluded, and 254 questionnaires with an effective response rate of 84.7% were coded and analyzed using frequency, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlations analysis, and structural equation modeling with SPSS 21.0 and SmartPLS 3.0. Results - The findings of the study are as follows. First, franchisor leadership had a negative effect on franchisee dissatisfaction, but franchisee marketing efforts did not have a significant effect on franchisee dissatisfaction. Second, franchisee dissatisfaction had a positive effect on switching intentions. Third, franchisor leadership had a negative effect on switching intentions, but franchisee marketing efforts did not have a significant effect on switching intentions. Conclusions - This study researched the franchisor's leadership as a single factor of transformational leadership. Thus, it may have limits in measuring leadership. Future studies shall include emotional, loyal, and transactional leadership. In addition, the future studies shall also research the effect of franchisor's leadership and franchisees' marketing efforts on dissatisfaction and switching intentions. For example, the franchisor's relationship-oriented efforts can be a crucial parameter that reduces dissatisfaction and switching intentions.

Results of Treatment for Children with Primary Brain Tumors : Long-Term Follow Up Results of a Single Institute (소아 원발성 뇌종양의 치료 결과 : 단일 기관에서의 장기간 추적 관찰)

  • Choi, Sung-Yeon;Won, Sung-Chul;Lyu, Chuhl-Joo;Oh, Seung-Hwan;Yang, Chang-Hyun;Suh, Chang-Ok;Choi, Joong-Uhn;Kim, Byung-Soo
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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    • v.45 no.8
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    • pp.1016-1023
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    • 2002
  • Purpose : Brain tumors are the most common solid tumor in children. We retrospectively investigated the clinical characteristics of pediatric brain tumors, such as age, sex, tumor site and survival, as seen in a single institution over the last 15 years. We tried to evaluate the role of chemotherapy on the survival of some brain tumors. Methods : Three hundred fifty four children with primary brain tumor who were treated at Severance Hospital from Jan. 1985 to Sep. 2001 were enrolled. Results : Pediatric brain tumors were found most frequently in 10-15 years of age group(35.3%) and the ratio of male to female was 1.3 : 1. Supratentorial tumors(52%) were more frequent than infratentorial tumors(48%). Medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor(PNET) was the most common type(24.6%), followed by cerebellar astrocytoma(14.1%). Ten year survival rate of medulloblastoma, cerebellar astrocytoma and cerebral astrocytoma were 59.4%, 79.3% and 71%, respectively. The prognosis for brain stem glioma and glioblastoma multiforme were still grim with a 10 year survival rate of 12.7% and 13.3%, respectively. The addition of chemotherapy for high grade medulloblastoma led to an improved 10 year survival rate of 54.5%, compared with 40% without chemotherapy. Conclusion : The combined use of chemotherapy and radiation and surgery improved survival rate of pediatric brain tumors in our study. Chemotherapy for high grade medulloblastoma improved the 10 year survival rate. Further data analysis of the treatment modalities will lead to better comparisons.

A Study on Effective Planning Method of the Check-off Fund Program for Egg (계란자조금의 효과적인 조성방안에 관한 연구)

  • Kim, Dong Jin;Hong, Sung Kyu;Kim, Yoon doo
    • Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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    • v.44 no.1
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    • pp.51-57
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    • 2017
  • Subsequent to the introduction of the "Laws on Consumption Promotion of Livestock Products" in 2002, a mandatory check-off system for the egg industry was introduced in June 2009. Unlike other livestock products, the check-off on eggs is financed not from the sale of the egg-the end product-but from the spent hen. Variables such as the falling price of spent hens lead to a low financing rate; The present farm allotment rate of 14%, introduced in 2015, is much higher than the 0.2% to 0.3% check-off rate in other types of business, thus placing a huge burden on farms. When check-off is financed from the egg, it is expected that 6.5 billion won will be raised using a rate of 0.3% of sale proceeds, Therefore, it is urgent for the government to establish infrastructure to enable producers and merchants to do business through Grade & Packing centers. This can be achieved by the staged construction of local Grade & Packing centers. Check-off should continue to be financed from the present spent hen until this infrastructure is established, and an institutional strategy should be provided by the government to raise the financing rate accurately and transparently using statistical treatment of supply data for spent hens as a short-term alternative.

Clinical Outcome of Pulmonary Metastasectomy in Patients with Pulmonary Metastasis (전이성 폐암에 대한 폐절제술의 성적)

  • Lee, Young-Ok;Lee, Eung-Bae;Ryu, Kyoung-Min
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.40 no.10
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    • pp.674-679
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    • 2007
  • Background: Surgical resection is accepted widely as the standard therapy for complete resectable pulmonary metastases. The number of cases of pulmonary metastasectomy and its survival rate is increasing due to the development of the therapeutic modalities. We attempted to analyze the survival rate and prognosis factors of pulmonary metastasectomy during the last 10 years. Material and Method: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 89 patients who underwent 96 procedures of pulmonary metastasectomy between January 1996 and December 2005. The factors that may influence the long term prognosis such as completeness of resection, the type of primary cancer, the disease-free interval, the number and size of metastasis and the laterality were investigated. Result: There was no operative mortality. The mean disease free interval (DFI) was $29.6{\pm}27.9$ months and there were 3 cases of synchronous metastasis (3.4%). The overall 3, 5 and 10 year survival rate was 52.5%, 32.1% and 20.7%, respectively. The median survival time was 38 months. The 5-year survival rate according to the IRLM appraisal was 63.5%, 33.3%, 22.1% and 0% for stage I, II, III and IV, respectively Univariate analysis showed a better prognosis for patients with a disease free interval of 36 months or more, unilateral metastasis and 4 or less metastases. Conclusion: The survival rate for completely resectable pulmonary metastasectomy was favorable. The disease free interval, laterality and the number of metastasis were the prognosis factors.

Evaluation of clinical status of fixed prosthesis (고정성 보철물의 임상적 상태에 대한 평가)

  • Yun, Mi-Jung;Jeon, Young-Chan;Jeong, Chang-Mo
    • The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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    • v.47 no.2
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    • pp.99-107
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    • 2009
  • Statement of problem: Restoring and replacing teeth with fixed prostheses commonly used in dental practice. Because of improper oral hygiene care and inaccurate laboratory procedure, complications of fixed prostheses were found in the mouth of patients. Although many efforts have been continually made to obtain the data of long term prognosis of fixed prostheses, it was difficult to do it. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical status of fixed prostheses. Material and methods: In order to assess the clinical status of fixed prostheses, a total of 161 individuals(aged 17-85, 99 women and 62 men with 1596 unit of fixed prostheses, and 1169 abutments) who first visited the Department of Prosthodontics, Pusan National University Hospital, between April to September, in 2007 were examined. Results and conclusion: The results of this study were as follows: 1. Length of service of fixed prostheses was $8.6{\pm}0.6$ years(mean), 10.0 years(median). 2. Location of fixed prostheses was found to have no statistically significant influence on longevity of fixed prostheses(P>.05). But, the success rate was high in posterior region and in mandible where the failure rate was high in combination(P<.05). 3. Longevity of fixed prostheses made of metal was longest(mean: $13.0{\pm}9.3$, median: 14.0), gold, precious ceramic, non-precious ceramic trailing behind(P<.05). 4. Number of units in fixed prostheses was found to have no statistically significant influence on longevity of fixed prostheses(P>.05). But, the success rate was high in Single-unit and the failure rate was high in over 3-unit(P<.05). 5. Condition of opposing dentition was found to have no statistically significant influence on longevity of fixed prostheses(P>.05). But, the success rate was high in natural dentition(P<.05). 6. Defective margin(28.2%), dental caries(23.0%), periodontal disease(19.3%), periapical disease(16.9%) were frequent complications. In 30.1% of the cases, abutment state after removing fixed prostheses was needed to be extracted.

우리나라 농촌지역의 출산조절행태 및 출산조절행위의 결정요인 분석

  • Chung, Kyung-Hee;Han, Seung-Hyun;Bang, Sook
    • Korea journal of population studies
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    • v.11 no.2
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    • pp.33-53
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    • 1988
  • This study aimed at developing a desirable family planning policy and strategy by examining the current status of family planning practice in rural Korea and by indentifying the crucial factors which affect fertility control behavior. For this purpose, an analytical study was conducted, using the survey data collected in July 1985, on an interview basis, on 1, 440 married women living in the Soyi, Wonnam and Maingdong townships of Eumseong County(in North Chungcheong Province). This study population has the typical characteristics of rural areas, and the results of the analysis can be summarized as follows: 1. In regard to the demographic characteristics of the study population : their average age at marriage was 23.7, they had an average of 2.6 children( 1.3 boys, 1.3 girls) :10% experienced the death of their child (ren) :14% had spontaneous abortion(s) :4% weathered stillbirth(s) :35% went through induced abortion (s) : and 5.5% were currently pregnant. The average of their ideal numbers of children was 2.2, while 44% felt that they must have a son. 2. Looking at the contact rate with medical & health institutions, over the past 1 year, the visit rate to health subcenters was 43.7%, while 26.9% visited the (county) health center :59.6% had been to private clinics : and 41.5% went to the Soonchunhyang - Eumsung hospital : thus showing a relatively high rate of accessibility. 3. The utilization rate of family planning services was 76.5%, with tubectomy being the most prominent method at 52.3%, while the informants were health workers in 54.2% of the acceptors. Of the 8.4% who discontinued the use of contraceptive methods, only 26% did so due to want for pregnancy, natural infertility (meno - pause), or other reasons, while the remaining 74% stopped usage on account of side effects, failure in the methods themselves, and inconvenience of use, thus pointing to a situation where the proper choice of family planning methods have not yet been made. It can be noted that there is a strong motivation for early birth stopping as 35.3% practice family planning even with only one child, of which 38.3% have had sterilization operations. According to results of a multiple regression analysis, among the variables affecting contraception usage the most significant variable was the number of sons. 4. 34.8% experienced induced abortions. It was shown as a result of multiple regression analysis that the number of children and attitudes toward induced abortions extensively affected their frequency of abortions conducted. 5. In the regard to the relation between family planning and induced abortions, 33.7% of the women used both, while 52.0% of them used only the former(family planning), with only 1.4 % utilizing solely the latter(abortion), and 12.9% totally abstaining from fertility regulation : again, the discriminant analysis indicated that the choice of family planning and/or induced abortion was determined by the number of children and attitudes toward induced abortion. In view of the above mentioned results, the following are some comments and suggestions concerning problems related to the current family planning policies, in Korea : 1. It is difficult to expect a further quantitative expansion in family planning program operations, as there has been an excessive supply of target-oriented sterilization operations on women. From a maternal and child health care point of view, it will be desirable to have a diversification of service points in the future where family planning methods may be properly chosen, so that choices of methods which suit the mothers' characteristics and tastes may be made by the individuals themselves by strengthening their quality of family planning information services. 2. Along with the strengthening of the qualitative improvement of family planning services policies must be implemented to effectively promote the moral (ethical) deterrents to induced abortions and to preference for sons. From a maternal care standpoint, the social permissive norm toward induced abortion must be modified, and the bias towards son must be analyzed as the women with more daughters have a lower rate of family planning acceptance. Such changes in attitudes, however, can not be hoped to be accomplished with ad hoc policies, but will only be possible when an enhancement of the women's status(within the society) is brought about in a long - term perspective.

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A Study on the long-term Hemodialysis patient중s hypotension and preventation from Blood loss in coil during the Hemodialysis (장기혈액투석환자의 투석중 혈압하강과 Coil내 혈액손실 방지를 위한 기초조사)

  • 박순옥
    • Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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    • v.11 no.2
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    • pp.83-104
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    • 1981
  • Hemodialysis is essential treatment for the chronic renal failure patient's long-term cure and for the patient management before and after kidney transplantation. It sustains the endstage renal failure patient's life which didn't get well despite strict regimen and furthermore it becomes an essential treatment to maintain civil life. Bursing implementation in hemodialysis may affect the significant effect on patient's life. The purpose of this study was to obtain the basic data to solve the hypotension problem encountable to patient and the blood loss problem affecting hemodialysis patient'a anemic states by incomplete rinsing of blood in coil through all process of hemodialysis. The subjects for this study were 44 patients treated hemodialysis 691 times in the hemodialysis unit, The .data was collected at Gang Nam 51. Mary's Hospital from January 1, 1981 to April 30, 1981 by using the direct observation method and the clinical laboratory test for laboratory data and body weight and was analysed by the use of analysis of Chi-square, t-test and anlysis of varience. The results obtained an follows; A. On clinical laboratory data and other data by dialysis Procedure. The average initial body weight was 2.37 ± 0.97kg, and average body weight after every dialysis was 2.33 ± 0.9kg. The subject's average hemoglobin was 7.05±1.93gm/dl and average hematocrit was 20.84± 3.82%. Average initial blood pressure was 174.03±23,75mmHg and after dialysis was 158.45±25.08mmHg. The subject's average blood ion due to blood sample for laboratory data was 32.78±13.49cc/ month. The subject's average blood replacement for blood complementation was 1.31 ±0.88 pint/ month for every patient. B. On the hypotensive state and the coping approaches occurrence rate of hypotension was 28.08%. It was 194 cases among 691 times. 1. In degrees of initial blood pressure, the most 36.6% was in the group of 150-179mmHg, and in degrees of hypotension during dialysis, the most 28.9% in the group of 40-50mmHg, especially if the initial blood pressure was under 180mmHg, 59.8% clinical symptoms appeared in the group of“above 20mmHg of hypotension”. If initial blood pressure was above 180mmHg, 34.2% of clinical symptoms were appeared in the group of“above 40mmHg of hypotension”. These tendencies showed the higher initial blood pressure and the stronger degree of hypotension, these results showed statistically singificant differences. (P=0.0000) 2. Of the occuring times of hypotension,“after 3 hrs”were 29.4%, the longer the dialyzing procedure, the stronger degree of hypotension ann these showed statistically significant differences. (P=0.0142). 3. Of the dispersion of symptoms observed, sweat and flush were 43.3%, and Yawning, and dizziness 37.6%. These were the important symptoms implying hypotension during hemodialysis accordingly. Strages of procedures in coping with hypotension were as follows ; 45.9% were recovered by reducing the blood flow rate from 200cc/min to 1 00cc/min, and by reducing venous pressure to 0-30mmHg. 33.51% were recovered by controling (adjusting) blood flow rate and by infusion of 300cc of 0,9% Normal saline. 4.1% were recovered by infusion of over 300cc of 0.9% normal saline. 3.6% by substituting Nor-epinephiine, 5.7% by substituting blood transfusion, and 7,2% by substituting Albumin were recovered. And the stronger the degree of symptoms observed in hypotention, the more the treatments required for recovery and these showed statistically significant differences (P=0.0000). C. On the effects of the changes of blood pressure and osmolality by albumin and hemofiltration. 1. Changes of blood pressure in the group which didn't required treatment in hypotension and the group required treatment, were averaged 21.5mmHg and 44.82mmHg. So the difference in the latter was bigger than the former and these showed statistically significant difference (P=0.002). On the changes of osmolality, average mean were 12.65mOsm, and 17.57mOsm. So the difference was bigger in the latter than in the former but these not showed statistically significance (P=0.323). 2. Changes of blood pressure in the group infused albumin and in the group didn't required treatment in hypotension, were averaged 30mmHg and 21.5mmHg. So there was no significant differences and it showed no statistical significance (P=0.503). Changes of osmolality were averaged 5.63mOsm and 12.65mOsm. So the difference was smaller in the former but these was no stitistical significance (P=0.287). Changes of blood pressure in the group infused Albumin and in the group required treatment in hypotension were averaged 30mmHg and 44.82mmHg. So the difference was smaller in the former but there is no significant difference (P=0.061). Changes of osmolality were averaged 8.63mOsm, and 17.59mOsm. So the difference were smaller in the former but these not showed statistically significance (P=0.093). 3. Changes of blood pressure in the group iutplemented hemofiltration and in the Uoup didn't required treatment in hypotension were averaged 22mmHg and 21.5mmHg. So there was no significant differences and also these showed no statistical significance (P=0.320). Changes of osmolality were averaged 0.4mOsm and 12.65mOsm. So the difference was smaller in the former but these not showed statistical significance(P=0.199). Changes of blood pressure in the group implemented hemofiltration and in the group required treatment in hypotension were averaged 22mmHg and 44.82mmHg. So the difference was smatter in the former and these showed statistically significant differences (P=0.035). Changes of osmolality were averaged 0.4mOsm and 17.59mOsm. So the difference was smaller in the former but these not showed statistical significance (P=0.086). D. On the changes of body weight, and blood pressure, between the group of hemofiltration and hemodialysis. 1, Changes of body weight in the group implemented hemofiltration and hemodialysis were averaged 3.340 and 3.320. So there was no significant differences and these showed no statistically significant difference, (P=0.185) but standard deviation of body weight averaged in comparison with standard difference of body weight was statistically significant difference (P=0.0000). Change of blood Pressure in the group implemented hemofiltration and hemodialysis were averaged 17.81mmHg and 19.47mmHg. So there was no significant differences and these showed no statistically significant difference (P=0.119), But in comparison with standard deviation about difference of blood pressure was statistically significant difference. (P=0.0000). E. On the blood infusion method in coil after hemodialysis and residual blood losing method in coil. 1, On comparing and analysing Hct of residual blood in coil by factors influencing blood infusion method. Infusion method of saline 200cc reduced residual blood in coil after the quantitative comparison of Saline Occ, 50cc, 100cc, 200cc and the differences showed statistical significance (p < 0.001). Shaking Coil method reduced residual blood in Coil in comparison of Shaking Coil method and Non-Shaking Coil method this showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Adjusting pressure in Coil at OmmHg method reduced residual blood in Coil in comparison of adjusting pressure in Coil at OmmHg and 200mmHg, and this showed statistically significant difference (P < 0.001). 2. Comparing blood infusion method divided into 10 methods in Coil with every factor respectively, there was seldom difference in group of choosing Saline 100cc infusion between Coil at OmmHg. The measured quantity of blood loss was averaged 13.49cc. Shaking Coil method in case of choosing saline 50cc infusion while adjusting pressure in coil at OmmHg was the most effective to reduce residual blood. The measured quantity of blood loss was averaged 15.18cc.

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Long-term Oxygen Therapy for Chronic Respiratory Insufficiency: the Situation in Korea after the Health Insurance Coverage: a Multi-center Korean Survey -Study for the Development and Dissemination of the COPD Guidelines, Clinical Research Center for Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease- (가정산소치료의 보험급여 실시 이후 처방 실태: 다기관 조사 -만성기도폐쇄성질환 임상연구센터 제3세부과제 만성기도폐쇄성질환 진료지침 개발/보급 연구-)

  • Park, Myung Jae;Yoo, Jee-Hong;Choi, Cheon Woong;Kim, Young Kyoon;Yoon, Hyoung-Kyu;Kang, Kyung Ho;Lee, Sung Yong;Choi, Hye Sook;Lee, Kwan Ho;Lee, Jin Hwa;Lim, Sung-Chul;Kim, Yu-Il;Shin, Dong Ho;Kim, Tae Hyun;Jung, Ki-Suck;Park, Yong Bum
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.67 no.2
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    • pp.88-94
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    • 2009
  • Background: From November 2006, The national health insurance system in the Republic of Korea began to cover prescribed long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. This study examined the current status of LTOT after national health insurance coverage. Methods: Between November 1, 2006 and June 30, 2008, the medical records of patients who were prescribed LTOT by chest physicians were reviewed. The data was collected from 13 university hospitals. Results: 197 patients (131 male and 66 female) were prescribed LTOT. The mean age was 64.3${\pm}$13.0 years. The most common underlying disease was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n=103, 52.3%). Chest physicians prescribed LTOT using arterial blood gas analysis or a pulse oxymeter (74.6%), symptoms (14%), or a pulmonary function test (11.2%). The mean oxygen flow rate was 1.56${\pm}$0.68 L/min at rest, 2.08${\pm}$0.91 L/min during exercise or 1.51${\pm}$0.75 L/min during sleep. Most patients (98.3%) used oxygen concentrators. Only 19% of patients used ambulatory oxygen supplies. The oxygen saturation before and after LTOT was 83.18${\pm}$10.48% and 91.64${\pm}$7.1%, respectively. After LTOT, dyspnea improved in 81.2% of patients. The mean duration of LTOT was 16.85${\pm}$6.71 hours/day. The rental cost for the oxygen concentrator and related electricity charges were 48,414${\pm}$15,618 won/month and 40,352${\pm}$36,815 won/month, respectively. Approximately 75% of patients had a regular visit by the company. 5.8% of patients had personal pulse oxymetry. 54.9% of patients had their oxygen saturation checked on each visit hospital. 8% of patients were current smokers. The most common complaint with LTOT was the limitation of daily activity (53%). The most common complaint with oxygen concentrators was noise (41%). Conclusion: The patients showed good compliance with LTOT. However, only a few patients used an ambulatory oxygen device or had their oxygen saturation measured.