• Korean Journal of Schizophrenia Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.36-43
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• 2021

Objectives: Despite the high discontinuation rate of clozapine in refractory schizophrenia, there is limited evidence regarding the suggested treatment after clozapine discontinuation. Methods: The medical records of 37 patients who discontinued clozapine were retrospectively reviewed. The prescription patterns of antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants were compared at three points before and after clozapine treatment and at the most recent visit. Results: After clozapine discontinuation, 75.6% of the subjects were receiving antipsychotic polypharmacy, and 32.4% were taking more than 3 antipsychotics. The frequently used antipsychotics were olanzapine (21.5%), quetiapine (21.5%), and paliperidone (12.7%). The rates of augmentation with mood stabilizers and antidepressants were 43.2% and 29.7%, respectively. Furthermore, valproate was the most commonly used mood stabilizer (87.5%). Conclusion: Antipsychotic polypharmacy and augmentation are inevitable in schizophrenia patients for whom clozapine has been discontinued. Further research is required to improve the outcomes of polypharmacy and augmentation in schizophrenia patients.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.186-207
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• 2001

Background : This study presented an analysis of healthcare quality indicators using data mining and a development of decision support system for quality improvement. Method : Specifically, important factors influencing the key quality indicators were identified using a decision tree method for data mining based on 8,405 patients who discharged from a medical center during the period between December 1, 2000 and January 31, 2001. In addition, a decision support system was developed to analyze and monitor trends of these quality indicators using a Visual Basic 6.0. Guidelines and tutorial for quality improvement activities were also included in the system. Result : Among 12 selected quality indicators, decision tree analysis was performed for 3 indicators ; unscheduled readmission due to the same or related condition, unscheduled return to intensive care unit, and inpatient mortality which have a volume bigger than 100 cases during the period. The optimum range of target group in healthcare quality indicators were identified from the gain chart. Important influencing factors for these 3 indicators were: diagnosis, attribute of the disease, and age of the patient in unscheduled returns to ICU group ; and length of stay, diagnosis, and belonging department in inpatient mortality group. Conclusion : We developed a decision support system through analysis of healthcare quality indicators and data mining technique which can be effectively implemented for utilization review and quality management in a healthcare organization. In the future, further number of quality indicators should be developed to effectively support a hospital-wide Continuous Quality Improvement activity. Through these endevours, a decision support system can be developed and the newly developed decision support system should be well integrated with the hospital Order Communication System to support concurrent review, utilization review, quality and risk management.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.563-575
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between self-efficacy and self-care of hemodialysis patients. The subjects consisted of 140 hemodialysis patients who underwent hemodialysis at 2 university hospitals. The data were collected by questionnaires and chart review. The questinnaire used the self-efficacy tool developed by Kim Ju Hyune(1995) and the self-care tool developed by literature review and indepth open openended questions to 10 patients. Also, the questionnaire included physiologic data which collected through review of the patients' charts. The statistical analysis was used the SPSS program for frequency, mean, t-test, ANOVA and Pearson correlation. The results were as follows : 1. The mean score for general self-efficacy of hemodialysis patients was 3.103(1-4point) and there were significant differences according to percieved health. The mean score for specific self-efficacy of hemodialysis patients was 3.113 (1-4point) and there were significant differencies according to percieved health, side effects and complications which related hemodialysis. 2. The mean score for self-care of hemodialysis patients was 3.822(1-5point) and there were significant differencies according to marital status and economic level. 3. The relationship between general self-efficacy and self-care was a positive correlation(P＝.000). The relationship between specific self-efficacy and self-care was a positive correlation(P＝.000). In conclusion, this study revealed the level of self-efficacy and self-care, and the positive correlation between self-efficacy and self-care in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, intervention is needed to promote self-efficacy for self-care of hemodialysis patients. Considering the vulnerable self-care area same as checking blood pressure and weight, fluid restriction, social adjustment, exercise and rest, luther studies should develop self-efficacy promoting programs for self-care of hemodialysis patients.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.269-273
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• 2007

Purpose: High-pressure injection(HPI) injury is an injury caused by accidental injection of substances by industrial equipment. HPI injury of the hand is a serious injury that can be potentially devastating. There have been a number of publications on the results of its treatment and its functional outcome of these hands. Unfortunately, the clinical outcomes were unsatisfactory following an initial treatment approach of digital expression of the injection material, elevation, soaks, dressing changes, and antibiotics. Methods: A 43-year-old right handed man sustained a high pressure injection injury to the tip of the left index finger. The injected material was industrial paint thinner. Tissue necrosis was noted at the pulp of the finger. Several debridements and irrigation were required. A pedicled chest flap transfer was performed on the eighteenth day after injury as the dorsal nail complex remained viable. This is a retrospective review of our experience with high-pressure finger injection injury caused by paint. A literature review, retrospective chart and radiologic review were presented. Results: Follow-up length was about 1 year. The injuried hand was left nondominant hand, the index. Patient complaints were cold intolerance, paresthesia, contact pain, and impairment of activities of daily living. Conclusion: The outcome of high-pressure injection injuries of the hand is affected by many factors. The time between injury and operative treatment has been regarded as a key determinant by a number of authors. The nature of the injected material is probably more important. It has been noted by many authors that injuries with paints have a worse outcome than those with oil or grease. This study confirms the fact that high-pressure injection injury caused by paint thinner to the hand is a significant problem. Virtually a patient suffers sequelae of this injury. The injury has significant repercussions for future function and reintegration into the work force.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.71-78
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• 2022

Objectives: Post-term pregnancy is a condition associated with increased maternal and fetal complications. Administration of castor oil causes cervical stimulation by increasing the production of prostaglandins. We examined the effects of castor oil on cervical ripening and labor induction through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The search process was performed to obtain relevant articles from databases including Pubmed, Cochrane library, Scopus, Science direct, SID, Iran Medex, and Google Scholar using the English keywords of cervical ripening, post-term, castor oil, labor induction, Bishop score, and pregnancy considering all possible combinations without time constraints and their Persian equivalents from national databases. Results: A total of eight related articles from the 19 primary studies were extracted and systematically reviewed. According to a cumulative chart, the difference in the post-intervention Bishop score was statistically significant (standard mean difference [SMD]: 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-2.11, p = 0.001), indicating an effect of castor oil on increasing the Bishop score. In addition, the difference in labor induction was statistically significant after the intervention (odds ratio: 11.67, 95% CI: 3.34-40.81, p = 0.001), indicating an effect of castor oil on increasing the odds ratio of labor induction (experience of vaginal delivery). Conclusion: This meta-analysis showed that oral administration of castor oil is effective for cervical ripening and labor induction. Midwives should closely monitor pregnant women with prolonged labor and collaborate with obstetricians to employ castor oil as a safe intervention to induce cervical ripening and labor to prevent undue caesarean surgery.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.26-39
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• 2022

Objectives The purpose of this study was to collect reported but scattered data on herbal medicine treatment for depression in adolescents and young adults and to establish future research directions for this topic. Methods Using the scoping review method, 10 Korean and foreign databases were searched for studies published up to March 22, 2022. Studies targeting children and adolescents diagnosed with depression, studies using herbal medicine treatments, and clinical studies were included. Results Twelve randomized clinical trials, two chart reviews, and six case reports were identified. Frequently used Korean medical patterns, treatment methods, herbal medicines, decoctions, treatment periods, and post-treatment evaluation results were analyzed. Differences in the confirmed results from actual clinical settings were reviewed, and the direction of follow-up research on this topic was suggested. Conclusions This study outlined the results of various levels of clinical research on herbal medicine treatment for depression in adolescents and young adults, showed the clinical availability of herbal medicine, and provided a foundation for future research.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.277-283
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• 2013

Purpose: Well vascularized pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (PMMF) had been a commonly used versatile flap in reconstructive oromaxillofacial surgery since the 1970s. However, after the advent of microvascular surgery in the 1980s, the PMMF was used less frequently. But, to date, PMMF has been useful and has some advantages such as covering wide defects, covering vital structures, back-up procedure in cases of free flap failure, and reconstruction for radiotherapy patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role, indication, complications, functional, and aesthetic results of this flap in the era of free flap with a literature and chart review. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of 16 oral cancer patients undergoing reconstructive surgery with PMMF for reconstruction of defects from 2001 to 2012 at Kyungpook National University Hospital. The male to female ratio was 10:6, with a mean age of 63 years (16~79 years). Basic demographic data, previous treatment history, indications, dimension of the flap, site of reconstruction, postoperative complications, and patients' final status were systemically analyzed from chart review. Results: The pathology of the disease included squamous cell carcinoma in the majority of cases (n=14). The remaining cases were fibrosarcoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Of the 16 PMMF reconstructions, 13 flaps were applied as primary reconstructive procedures, whereas three flaps were; salvage; procedures (vascularized free flap failure). Twelve patients had complications such as wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma, fistula, flap bulkiness, and partial flap necrosis. The higher complication rates showed an association with utilization of the flap in preoperative radiotherapy cases. However, all patients were discharged without failure. Conclusion: In reconstructive oromaxillofacial surgery, the PMMF is still a useful flap for huge defects. In addition, the PMMF can be used as a salvage procedure after vascularized free flap failure and reconstruction for patients with a history of preoperative radiotherapy.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.135-153
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• 2015

Objectives The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of inpatients who were admitted to Korean medicine hospital due to low back pain. Methods The current study was designed as a retrospective chart review to investigate descriptive characteristics of LBP patients. The clinical records of 601 patients who were hospitalized for treatment of LBP in Cheonan Korean Medicine Hospital, Daejeon University from 1st, January, 2013 to 31th, December, 2013 were analyzed. Results 1. Most frequently given diagnosis was sprain and strain of lumbar (45.93%). 2. Female outnumbered male patients in all disease groups except fracture of lumbar spine. 3. In distribution according to age, sprain and strain of lumbar, HNP of L-spine and lumbago with sciatica were most frequent at 30s, fracture of lumbar spine was most frequent at 50s and spinal stenosis was most frequent at 70s. 4. The most frequently motive for low back pain was traffic accident (35.4%) 5. Patients with no related medical history were 76.95% 6. 0~1week interval between onset and visit to Korean Medicine Hospital was most frequent in all disease groups. 7. 50.85% of patients went through treatment at medical institutions before the admitting to Korean Medicine Hospital. 8. The average admission days of female was higher than male's. And age goes up, average duration of admission was longer. 9. In most (74.59%) of the patients, symptoms were more than improved. 10. Most frequently prescribed examination was X-ray (65.13%). 11. Most frequently prescribed herb medicine was whal-lak-tang (Huoluo-tang). Conclusions In most (74.59%) of the patients, symptoms were more than improved, especially in sprain and strain of lumbar and lumbago with sciatica. But Patients with a local hospital statistic is not be representative of the incidence of the population. In order to obtain more accurate statistics, it is necessary to compare analysis collect statistics from other medical hospitals.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.570-577
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to provide a basis for the development of a health insurance payment system by exploring inpatient hospice & palliative care activities in a long-term care hospital by occupational personnel. The contents and frequency of inpatient hospice-palliative care activities were obtained retrospectively from the chart review of 12 terminally ill patients who died during the 6 months before their deaths. According to their occupational personnel, doctors were doing blood transfusion, family counseling, and medication guidance. Nurses' main activities were airway suction, oxygen supply, EKG monitoring, observing patient's status, helping medication and tube feeding. Other workers' activities are as follows: social workers were applying individualized programs, physical therapists were doing electrostimulation, nutritionists were giving nutrition evaluation and meal rounding, and careworkers were assisting with meals and nutrition. Although certain nursing activities, like emotional support, were performed by nurses, the hospice-palliative activities from doctors, social workers and physical therapists were largely unavailable for terminally ill patients in a long-term care hospital. And some terminally ill patients were receiving too intensive and invasive medical cares for end end-of-life care. The results highlight the importance of valid measures of hospice-palliative care quality and the need for establishing an adequate reimbursement system for ensuring and improving end-of-life care.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.43-52
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• 2021

Objectives This study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of 63 patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who received Korean medicine treatment. Methods This study identified and retrospectively reviewed the first visit records and clinical characteristics of all of the patients who visited the Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital and Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital at Gangdong in South Korea with ASD as their chief complaints. The herbal medicines that were prescribed according to the patient's symptoms were analyzed by separating them into categories. Results The data of 83 children with ASD were collected. Among them, the primary medical record charts of 63 patients were reviewed. Additional analysis was performed for 56 patients who were treated with herbal medicine. Through a retrospective chart review, the patients' clinical characteristics and the tendency of the prescribed herbal medicine was identified. Conclusions This study was conducted to provide preliminary data that proposes Korean medicine as a new alternative medical treatment. Our study is meaningful as it used the demographic and clinical records of 63 patients with ASD in Korea who visited an Korean medicine hospital in the last 11 years to identify tendencies and analyzed the prescriptions of two or more Korean medicine pediatricians.