• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.35-36
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• 2003

Background: Evidence based medicine has become main tools for medical practice. However, conducting a highly ranked in the evidence hierarchy pyramid is not easy or feasible at all times and places. There remains a room for descriptive clinical outcome measure studies with admitting the limit of the intepretation. Aims: Presents three Korean clinic based outcome measure studies with a view to encouraging Korean clinicians to conduct similar studies. Methods: Three studies are presented briefly here in치uding 1) Quality of Life of liver cancer patients after 8 Constitutional acupuncture; 2) Developing a Korean version of Measuring yourself Medical Outcome profile (MYMOP); and 3) Survey on 5 Shu points: a pilot In the first study, we have included 4 primary or secondary liver cancer patients collecting their diagnostic X-ray film and clinical data f개m their hospital, and asked them to fill in the European Organization Research and Treatment of Cancer, Quality of Life Questionnaire before the commencement of the treatment. The acupuncture treatment is set up format but not disclosed yet. The translation and developing a Korean version of outcome measures that is Korean clinician friendly has been sought for MYMOP is one of the most appropriate one. The permission was granted, the translation into Korean was done, then back translated into English only based on the Korean translation by the researcher who is bilingual in both languages. The back translation was compared by the original developer of MYMOP and confirmed usable. In order to test the existence of acupoints and meridians through popular forms of Korean acupuncture regimes, we aim at collecting opinions from 101 Korean clinicians that have used those forms. The questions asked include most effective symptoms, 5 Shu points, points those are least likely to use due to either adverse events or the lack of effectiveness, theoretical reasons for the above proposals, proposing outcome measures, and the time from insertion to be effective. The questionnaire is posted on the virtual notice board of the homepage of the communication KOMA (The official tool of Association of Korean Oriental Medicine).

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.61-65
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• 2016

Currently, a variety of Information and Communication Technology(ICT) is being broadly utilized for mental health. Especially, mobile application is one of the effective ICT, and several applications have been developed after the spread of smartphones. The mobile-based mental health has several strengths, such as better treatment accessibility and easier check-ups of symptoms or daily activities by real-time monitoring. Better follow-ups of treatment course, more customized feedback and better transportability enable patients to be more adherent. However, there are some limitations of mobile technology about the mental health, such as technical troubles of electric errors, data safety problems and personal information extrusion. Therefore, full considerations should be given during the development and provision of the technology. Most of all, mental health specialists should actively participate in the development process by incorporation of evidence-based experiences and assurance of good clinical qualities.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.87-104
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• 2014

Although gastric cancer is quite common in Korea, the treatment outcome is relatively favorable compared to those in western countries. However, there are currently no Korean multidisciplinary guidelines for gastric cancer. Experts from related societies developed guidelines de novo to meet Korean circumstances and requirements, including 23 recommendation statements for diagnosis (n=9) and treatment (n=14) based on relevant key questions. The quality of the evidence was rated according to the GRADE evidence evaluation framework: the evidence levels were based on a systematic review of the literature, and the recommendation grades were classified as either strong or weak. The applicability of the guidelines was considered to meet patients' view and preferences in the context of Korea. The topics of the guidelines cover diagnostic modalities (endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and radiologic diagnosis), treatment modalities (surgery, therapeutic endoscopy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy), and pathologic evaluation. An external review of the guidelines was conducted during the finalization phase.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.66-76
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• 2016

Objectives This study aims to investigate current status of the Korean medicine treatment on the cerebral palsy (CP) via interviewing the doctors who have expertise in CP children. Methods From June 2015 to May 2016, the surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted on the fifteen Korean medicine doctors. Results Based on the surveys and interviews, widely-used treatments were body acupuncture and herbal decoction. Scalp acupuncture, intradermal acupuncture and manipulation were also used frequently. Experts stated Korean medicine could be more effective in younger patients, patients with cognitive or language problem. They also stated that Korean medicine has its advantage on strengthening the body to help grow and develop in CP children. However, the absence of guideline related to Korean medicine treatment in CP children as well as high cost are the problems. Finally, the issues regarding Korean medicine treatment in CP children, based on the in-depth interviews, emerged when western medicine is used simultaneously, when having seizure during treatment. Further research is needed for better understanding. Conclusions This study provided current status of the evidence-based Korean medicine treatment in CP children. However, further studies about the addressed issues are needed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.27-30
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the endoscopic evidence of esophagitis in laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) patients using transnasal esophagoscopy (TNE) and to correlate these findings with treatment response. Methods : Fifty patients underwent TNE at Korea University Anam Hospital from July 2007 to Feb 2009. Participants were selected from patients that presented with various laryngeal symptoms. One experienced otolaryngologist assessed esophagitis according to the Los Angeles classification system using the TNE findings. Results : Fifteen of 50 LPR patients (30%) were found to have esophagitis (12 patients with Grade A, 3 patients with Grade B, no patients with grade C/ D esophagitis). Among the 15 patients positive for esophagitis based on the endoscopic findings, 12 (80%) showed symptom improvement after pharmacological therapy. Symptom improvement was correlated with evidence of esophagitis (p=0.002) but not with RFS (p=0.749). Conclusion : Endoscopic evaluation of esophagitis using TNE is a potentially valuable tool for predicting treatment response in LPRD patients.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.10-16
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• 2021

Evidence-based papers on the treatment of some chronic tendinopathy or ligament lesions using an injection in foot and ankle disorders have been reported, but there are few reports on the treatment of acute ankle ligament injury. On the other hand, some papers have reported a faster return to play for injection therapy that combines RICE (Rest, Icing, Compression, and Elevation) treatment and rehabilitation. Injection therapy can be used as an additional treatment for ankle ligament injury. Rather than having narrow-minded thinking about these treatments, it is important to make efforts to verify the safety and precautions of treatment and recognize them as a category of normal treatment. Continuous analysis and monitoring of these treatments can satisfy patients whose needs are changing rapidly.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.15-28
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• 2019

Objectives : This study aimed to systematically and comprehensively review controlled clinical trials on the effectiveness and safety of Chuna Manual Therapy for stroke. Methods : By October 7, 2019, three core databases and three domestic databases were searched. Seven major academic journals on the related field were also hand-searched. Methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was conducted and the quality of its evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology. Results : Five articles met the eligibility criteria. The results of most of included studies were in favor of Chuna Manual Therapy. No study described any adverse events during or after the clinical trials. Meta-analysis of three eligible studies showed that the pre- and post-treatment scores on the Modified Barthel Index (mean difference 8.00, 95% confidence interval 0.26 to 15.74) and Berg Balance Scale (mean difference 3.57, 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 6.51) of the Chuna-treated group were significantly different, but only marginally higher than those of the non-treatment group. Thus, the level of evidence gathered from these studies was assessed to be low. Conclusions : Based on current available evidence, any confirmative conclusions cannot be made on the effectiveness and safety of Chuna Manual Therapy for stroke because of the small sample size, low methodological quality, presence of statistical heterogeneity, and missing safety information. More rigorously designed large-scale multi-center studies are needed to establish more specific and credible evidence to support or oppose the use of Chuna Manual Therapy for stroke.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.143-159
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• 2017

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of and seek for measures to activate Korean medicine in stroke care. Methods: This is an e-mail survey targeting the members of Korean medical doctors registered at the association of Korean medicine. The project team of the society of stroke on Korean medicine for the development of clinical practice guideline for stroke has devised the items for the questionnaire. The survey was conducted for 15 days in November 2016. Results: The percentage of the respondents who have treated patients with stroke for the past month was 11.2% in the acute phase, 20.5% in the convalescent phase, and 32.4% in the chronic phase. Approximately 80% of the respondents answered they had a decrease in the number of patients compared to 10 years ago, regardless of the stroke phase. Most of the respondents were using Western medicine together with traditional Korean medicine for physical examination. Acupuncture and herbal medicine were the main therapeutic interventions. The two measures chosen by the most respondents to activate the Korean medicine usage for stroke care were the expansion of the insurance coverage (34.9%) and the generation of evidence on the effectiveness of traditional Korean medicine (25.1%) Conclusion: It is necessary to actively show the role of the Korean medicine through the establishment of the evidence on the effectiveness of Korean medicine and the promotion based on the evidence. In addition, optimal treatment methods should be derived based on the traditional knowledge and modern scientific research and the methods should be educated to every Korean medical clinics and hospitals so that they can be implemented in clinical practice. At the same time, the government should provide policy support to ensure that the optimal treatment can be timely and appropriately implemented.

• Hip & pelvis
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.228-232
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• 2023

Purpose: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) has an enormous physiological and psychological burden on patients. Surgeons rightly wish to minimise this risk. It has been shown that a standardised, evidence-based approach to perioperative care leads to better patient outcomes. A review of current practice was conducted using a cross-sectional survey among surgeons at multiple centers nationwide. Materials and Methods: An 11-question electronic survey was circulated to hip and knee arthroplasty consultants nationally via the BOA (British Orthopaedic Association) e-newsletter. Results: The respondents included 56 consultants working across 19 different trusts. Thirty-four (60.7%) screen patients for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) preoperatively, with 19 (55.9%) would treating with antibiotics. Fifty-six (100%) screen for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and treat if positive. Only 15 (26.8%) screen for methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) or empirically eradicate. Zero (0%) routinely catheterize patients perioperatively. Forty-one (73.2%) would give intramuscular or intravenous gentamicin for a perioperative catheterisation. All surgeons use laminar flow theatres. Twenty-six (46.4%) use only an impervious gown, 6 (10.7%) exhaust pipes, and 24 (42.3%) surgical helmet system. Five different antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens are used 9 (16.1%) cefuroxime, 2 (3.6%) flucloxacillin, 19 (33.9%) flucloxacillin and gentamicin, 10 (17.9%) teicoplanin, 16 (28.6%) teicoplanin and gentamicin. Twenty-two (39.3%) routinely give further doses. Conclusion: ASB screening, treatment and intramuscular gentamicin for perioperative catheterisation is routinely practiced despite no supporting evidence base. MSSA screening and treatment is underutilised. Multiple antibiotic regimens exist despite little variation in organisms in PJI. Practice varies between surgeons and centers, we should all be practicing evidence-based medicine.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.1-27
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• 2019

The Committee on Pediatric Obesity of the Korean Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition newly developed the first Korean Guideline on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Obesity in Children and Adolescents to deliver an evidence-based systematic approach to childhood obesity in South Korea. The following areas were systematically reviewed, especially on the basis of all available references published in South Korea and worldwide, and new guidelines were established in each area with the strength of recommendations based on the levels of evidence: 1) definition and diagnosis of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents; 2) principles of treatment of pediatric obesity; 3) behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with obesity, including diet, exercise, lifestyle, and mental health; 4) pharmacotherapy; and 5) bariatric surgery.