• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.47-51
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• 2018

Acupuncture is a complex intervention that manifests varied theories, treatment methods, diagnostic methods and diagnostic patterns. Traditionally based systems of acupuncture (TBSAs) often have their own diagnostic approaches and patterns. Despite the wide variety that can be found amongst TBSAs, is it possible that they share a common background in clinical observation and practice? Research has shown that multiple physiological pathways and mechanisms can be triggered by different acupuncture techniques and methods. It is highly likely that clinicians will have observed some of the effects of these responses and used those observations as feedback to help construct the patterns of diagnosis and their associated treatments. This review briefly examines this possibility. Pattern identification will have developed out of a complex interaction of factors that include; theories current at the time of their development, historical theories, personal choices and beliefs, training, practice methods, clinical observations and the natural feedback that comes from observing how things change once the treatment is applied. Researchers investigating TBSAs and pattern identification need to be more explicit about the systems they have investigated in order to understand the biological basis of pattern identification and their treatments.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.103-111
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• 2013

Seven diagnosis-related groups (DRGs) prospective payment system is going to expand to all hospitals including university hospitals this year. However there are few studies on the change of practice pattern under prospective payment system in the university hospital setting. So This study was intended to predict the practice pattern change after the introduction of 7 DRGs prospective payment system in a university hospital setting. To predict the change of practice pattern, this study used simulation technique. Five hundred and nineteen patients classified as 5 DRGs in a university hospital were selected for simulation. The change of practice pattern were predicted based on clinicians' opinion. We also predicted payment change by service items. Major findings of this study are as follows. First, the total medical payment was reduced by 14.4%. The drug payment change (8.8%) took most of total payment reduction. The followings are the change of treatment material cost (3.2%), the change of laboratory tests cost (1.8%), the change of room charge (0.5%), and other payment change (0.1%), respectively. Second, most of the reduction in total medical payment resulted from the decreased amount of medical services themselves. The transfer of medical services to outpatient setting took up only 4.9% of the total payment reduction. The change of unit price or composition took up 5.5% of the total payment reduction. In this study we found that it is possible to reduce the inpatient services through practice pattern change in university hospital setting. However, it needs to be careful to adjust DRG payment after the reduction of provided services, because most of reduction was not due to service transfer but to service volume reduction. It is desirable to utilize the saving from practice pattern change as incentive to improve quality of care.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.59-65
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• 2009

Objectives : This survey was done in order to find out how Korean medical doctors derive pattern identification for acupuncture prescriptions in treating knee pain in real clinical practice. Methods : The survey questionnaire was developed by the committee of experts who major in acupuncture & moxibustion or statistics for acupuncture clinical trial protocol development. The questionnaires were distributed via e-mail to 75 members of Korean Acupuncture & moxibustion society from March 26th to April 14th in 2009. 57 members completed answers, and the computerized data were analyzed by SPSS 17.0 statistical program. Results : 1.54 Korean medical doctors selected meridian pattern identification based on the course of the meridians(52.5%), visceral pattern identification(27.1%), pattern identification based on cause of disease(8.5%) as the most commonly used pattern identification methods for acupuncture prescription when treating knee pain patients in real clinical practice. 2. In meridian pattern identification based on the course of the meridians, liver meridian of the medial knee region(13.2%), bladder meridian of the posterior knee region(12.0%), spleen meridian of the lateral knee region(11.7%), stomach meridian of the anterior knee region(9.8%) and kidney meridian of the medial knee region(8.6%) were selected. 3. In visceral pattern identification, blood stasis of sinews due to liver and kidney deficiency(5.3%), damp joint with yang deficiency of liver and kidney(4.9%), kidney qi deficiency with congealing cold(4.5%), yin deficiency of liver and kidney(4.1%) were selected. Conclusions : In our e-mail survey, Korean medical doctors answered that Meridian Pattern Identification based on the course of the meridians is the most often used diagnosis method. Visceral pattern identification, pattern identification based on cause of disease, pattern identification based on symptom and pattern identification based on qi-blood-yin-yang theory in order of frequency used, were selected for knee pain diagnosis in real clinical practice.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.115-126
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• 2015

The purpose of this paper is to explore the strategy of future Korean medicine(KM) clinical research through the study on the proposals for KM clinical research worldwide. In this study, the papers published in English through Pubmed were investigated mainly. Among them, we analyzed the methodological proposals from the clinical research papers that were published in the KM related fields. Various proposals for improving the problems in KM clinical studies are as follows. First, KM clinical research should be designed based on understanding for the theory, backgrounds, paradigms and worldviews of KM. In addition, considering the model validity, KM clinical research model should include the diagnosis, interventions and outcomes measurement methods reflecting the characteristics and real practice in KM. The internal validity and external validity should be also taken into account. One of the most important thing is to identify the contents about various and complex 'real practice' in KM. A prospective observational study was suitable for the purpose of this study. Finally, we suggested a few improvement directions for RCTs studies in KM. First, we would be able to improve the quality and the internal validity in KM clinical research using the checklists of CONSORT(Consolidated Standards for Reporting Trials) Statement and STRICTA(Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture). Second, we could use various clinical research methods and the modified research of RCTs such as PCT(pragmatic clinical trial) to reflect the characteristics of actual KM practice. Consequently, we would be able to improve the external validity. Third, the KM diagnosis and outcomes measurement methods should be developed based on an actual KM practice and it should reflect a real practice. The 'pattern identification(辨證)' is the core to KM diagnosis. But in order to be applied to the clinical research, the pattern identification(辨證) should be objectified and standardized. Future KM clinical research model should reflect the characteristics and a real practice in KM. In addition, it should include the advantage of rigorous RCTs research.Specially, the diagnosis, interventions and outcomes measurement methods in KM clinical research should reflect this view.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.36-54
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• 2023

Objectives: This study was aimed to develop a Korean Medicine (KM) clinical practice guideline (CPG) of Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP). Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey targeting KM doctors belonging to the Association of Korean Medicine by e-mail. We received 1,023 responds, and analyzed the answers. Results: 1. 83.0% of respondents knew the concepts and contents of CPG, and 98.1% had practical use plan. 2. 82.1% of respondents used pattern identification diagnosis for NVP patients, and the most commonly diagnosed pattern was spleen-stomach weakness (脾胃虛弱) with 41.3%. 3. The most frequently used treatment for NVP patients was KM combined treatment (46.7%). Herbal medicine+acupuncture (46.8%) was most used among KM combined treatments, and herbal medicine (37.1%) was most used among KM single treatments. 4. Among the contents of CPG for NVP, the fields of interest were selected in the order of KM treatment, KM-Western medicine cooperative treatment, KM diagnosis, prevention and regimen management. In the 'diagnosis part', the use of the symptom evaluation scale questionnaire was 41.8%, higher than the KM pattern diagnosis (34.4%). In the 'treatment part', herbal medicine accounted for 33.8%, higher than that of acupuncture (including electro-acupuncture) at 23.7%. 5. As for the expected development effects, opinions on evidence-based, safety, clinical use, and standardization were the most common. Conclusions: We figured out KM doctors' recognition of KM clinical practice guideline, clinical diagnosis, treatment on NVP to make the contents of the CPG reflecting the clinical situation.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.263-274
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• 2017

Objectives: To identify the current status of Korean medical practice pattern, diagnosis and treatment of dementia through recognition survey, and to use it as a preliminary data for various dementia research. Methods: Questionnaires were developed through expert meetings. The disease was defined as dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and areas were designated to practice pattern, diagnosis and treatment. From December 18, 2016-January 18, 2017, 221 respondents, including 36 neuropsychiatrists of Korean Medicine and 185 general physicians (including other medical specialists) were included. Results: 1. In both groups, the most commonly used KCD (Korean standard classification of disease and cause of death) were in the order of Unspecified Alzheimer's Dementia (F00.9), Mild Cognitive Impairment (F06.7), and Unspecified Dementia (F03). 2. The most commonly used pattern identification were zang-fu and qi-blood-yin-yang in both groups. 3. Diagnostic evaluation tools were mainly conducted by MMSE, radiologic examination, K-DRS, GDS and CDR in both groups. 4. Both groups reported using acupuncture and herbal medicine mainly. 5. In both groups, the acupuncture method was used extensively in the order of Body, Scalp, and Sa-Am. 6. Neuropsychiatrists used a variety of herbal medicines such as Wonjiseokchangpo-san (Yuanzhushichangpu-san), Yukmijihwang-tang (Liuweidihuang-tang), Palmijihwang-won (Baweidihuang-won), Sunghyangjungki-san (Xingxiang Zhengqi-san) and Ondam-tanggami (Wendan-tangjiawei). General physicians used a variety of herbal medicines such as Ondam-tanggami (Wendan-tangjiawei), Bojungikgi-tang (Buzhongyiqi-tang), Yukmijihwang-tang (Liuweidihuang-tang). 7. Neuropsychiatrists used a variety of Korean herbal preparation products (benefit and non-benefit) such as Ekgan-sangajinpibanha (Yigan-sanjiachenpibanxia), Yukmijihwang-tang (Liuweidihuang-tang), Jodeung-san (houteng-san), Palmijihwang-won (Baweidihuang-won). General physicians used a variety of Korean herbal preparation products such as Bojungikgi-tang (Buzhongyiqi-tang), Banhabaegchulcheonma-tang (banxiabaizhutianma-tang), Yukmijihwang-tang (Liuweidihuang-tang), Ekgan-sangajinpibanha (Yigan-sanjiachenpibanxia), Palmijihwang-won (Baweidihuang-won). Conclusions: By confirming awareness of Korean medical doctors treating dementia in clinical fields and understanding differences between neuropsychiatrists of Korean medicine and general physicians, it can be used to understand guideline users' needs and confirm clinical questions during development of future clinical practice guidelines for dementia.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.16-31
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• 2021

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of clinical practice for gout in Korean Medicine (KM). Methods : On-line survey was adopted for this study, targeted at KM Doctors who were registered in the Association of Korean Medicine. The questionnaire included the general status of treatment, pattern identification and treatment method according to three stages given: acute, chronic and asymptomatic hyperuricemia stage. Results : Data from a total of 384 respondents was analyzed. Participants who responded most were in their 40s, working in KM clinics located in Seoul. Acupuncture and herbal medicines were the top priority treatments in preparing recommendations in clinical practice guidelines for gout, and where clinical trials were considered essential. As of the past year, the average number of first visits per month was 86.7%, and the average treatment duration was less than 1 month, accounting for 72.9%. As for the diagnostic method used for gout patients, the "diagnosed by clinical pattern" response was the highest, and the "blood and urine test" response was the highest as the diagnostic equipment used. As for the evaluation scale being used, the "VAS/NRS" response was the highest. Regardless of the gout stage, acupuncture was the most commonly used treatment method for gout patients, and bee venom pharmacopuncture was the highest for the pharmacopuncture used. In the case of herbal medicine, it was found that a wider variety of herbal medication uninsured in health insurance and herbal prescription were used for the staged treatment of gout than herbal medication in national health insurance coverage. In clinical practice, "acupuncture treatment three times a week" was the most common, and the "acupoints in the limb" were the most frequently used; LR3 and SP3 were the most frequently used acupoints. Conclusions : It is suggested that this survey should be helpful to develop clinical practice guideline for gout that reflects actual clinical practice.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.703-725
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• 2023

Objectives: This study investigated Korean medicine doctors' perspectives on clinical practice patterns in the process of developing Korean medicine clinical practice guidelines for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Methods: A questionnaire was developed for Korean medicine doctors. A total of 323 oriental medicine doctors participated in the survey, which was live for a total of 9 days from September 22, 2022, to September 30, 2022. Results: Regarding awareness of treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, 63.8% of respondents showed high awareness of Korean medical treatments. However, items such as diagnostic criteria (17.7%), evaluation methods (17.0%), and Western medical treatments (22.9%) showed low recognition rates. In clinical practice, 76.2% of respondents were found to treat five or fewer patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia per month, and the average treatment period was 1 to 3 months for most at 41.2%. Korean medicine doctors diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia based on clinical features. The main interventions used were acupuncture, herbal medicine (prescription medicine), and moxibustion. This study has several limitations because of the low response rate for this survey; therefore, the participants are not representative of all Korean medicine doctors. In addition, because the study was conducted broadly on various topics related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, sufficient quality management was not carried out. Further studies that include a larger sample size and more in-depth studies on benign prostatic hyperplasia are needed. Conclusions: It is necessary to develop appropriate and reasonable Korean medicine clinical practice guidelines for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.48-74
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• 2004

Considering the existence of asymmetric information between doctor and patient, the doctor's reimbursement method has been considered as a desirable policy device of improving efficiency of patient's use of medical care in terms of its affecting doctor's practice pattern by determining doctor's practice revenue. By using the Community Tracking Study (CTS) physician data set, which includes not only various information on doctors practice arrangements and sources of practice revenue, but also vignettes of various clinical presentations, this paper investigates doctor's reaction to the financial incentive under the control of patient's specific medical situation. Under the econometric model for exploring the effect of doctor's reimbursement method on his/her practice patterns; referring patients, recommend doctor-visit or medical tests, the Hausman's specification test was used for checking out the possibility of the doctor's reimbursement method being endogeneized explanatory variable. In the case where the endogeneity problem of doctor's reimbursement method exists, the 2SLS method was used for correcting that problem, and the multiple regression method was used in the case where the problem is found to be nonexistent. Based on the empirical results, this paper finds that doctors do appear to respond to financial incentive. The empirical results show that the doctor's reimbursement method statistically significantly affects doctor's practice pattern and are coincident with the theoretical result proposed by previous researches, This results suggest, as doctor's practice revenues are mainly determined by prospective method, such as capitation, doctors would more refer their patients to specialists, and hesitate in recommending doctor-visit or medical exam.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.82-103
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• 1997

Background : With increased concerns about variation among physician's practice pattern and their impact on the quality of care, clinical practice guidelines have been developed by many different organizations, with differing aims and incentives. From the same point of view, there is growing interest in the development of clinical practice guidelines in Korea, but with only a few examples. As a result, there is not much exploration on the incentive and barrier to develop guidelines as well as description on the development process. The purposes of this study are to describe the process of the four different clinical practice guidelines in a hospital setting, and to identify incentives and barriers in the development of guidelines. Methods : For this research, a clinical practice guideline development committee and four clinical practice guideline development teams were organized in a university hospital which has more than 1,200 bead. Twenty eight doctors, three nurses, and one technician participated as members of development teams for eight months. Four to six meetings were held, and three to seven departments in the hospital were involved. Results : The topics which developed into clinical practice guidelines were cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR), blood transfusion, anticoagulation, and angiography. The main goals set by teams were education(CPR, angiography), risk management(blood transfusion), and to enhance quality of care(anticoagulation). Among four teams, only in the team for anticoagulation guideline medical record review and pilot-testing were performed. Also literature review was not carried out systematically. However, all the guidelines were developed by multidisciplinary be used as standard protocols in the practice. Conclusion : Experience and skill in developing process has to be improved to have a more valid and useful practice guideline. In particular, literature review and problem identification by examining medical record should be emphasized. Also further studies on the clinical outcomes of the guidelines application and changes in physicians' behaviors would be required.