• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.2-17
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to seek in-depth perspectives of stakeholders on the necessity and specific criteria for designating a specialized hospital for urologic diseases. Methods: Eight participants experts in urology medicine and specialized hospital system were divided into four groups. Following the semi-structured guidelines, an in-depth interview was conducted twice and a focus group discussion was conducted three times. All the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed. Results: The majority of participants predicted that there would be demand for specialized hospitals for urologic diseases. The criteria of designating a specialized hospital, such as the number of hospital beds and quality of health care, have to be modified in consideration of the specificity of urology. The introduction of a specialized hospital would improve the healthcare delivery system, positively affecting hospitals and patients. Furthermore, government support is essential for the maintenance of specialized hospital systems as urology hospitals experience difficulties in generating profits. Conclusion: This study is expected to be used as base data for introducing and operating a specialized hospital for urologic diseases. In addition, it is expected that the methodology and results of this study would encourage follow-up studies on specialized hospitals and provide guidelines to evaluate the effectiveness of such hospitals in other medical fields.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.12-27
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a scale to measure distress in patients with ischemic stroke and verify its validity and reliability. Methods: Preliminary items were developed from literature review and in-depth interviews. The final preliminary scale was confirmed through a content validity test of eight experts and a preliminary survey of 10 stroke patients. The participants for psychometric testing were 305 stroke patients in the outpatient clinic. Validity and reliability analyses included item analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity, known-group validity, and internal consistency of the scale. Results: The final scale consisted of 17 items and 3 factors. The three distinct factors were 'self-deprecation, worry about future health, and withdrawal from society' and this structure was validated using a confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity was supported by comparison with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (r = .54, p < .001) and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (r = .67, p < .001). Known-groups validity was verified by dividing groups according to 'duration since diagnosis' (t = 2.65, p = .009), 'presence of sequela' (t = 10.16, p < .001), and 'awareness of distress' (t = 12.09, p < .001). The internal consistency of the scale using Cronbach's α for the total items was .93. Conclusion: The Ischemic Stroke Distress Scale is a valid and reliable tool that reflects stroke distress effectively. It is expected to be used as a basic tool to develop various intervention strategies to reduce distress in ischemic stroke patients.

• Journal of Korean Library and Information Science Society
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.101-121
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• 2022

In this study, to expand and develop the policy information portal (POINT) of the National Library of Korea Sejong. This study conducted a survey and in-depth interview with government officials and policy researchers. The suggested ways to support the policy information portal (POINT) in the future. As a result of the analysis, the use of the current policy information portal service was found to be low, and it was found that improvement of information access, integrated search, and expansion of information provision data were more necessary. It was suggested that a one-stop service should be implemented to provide various information, systematic information on related data for each task, overseas trend data, core service data, promotion activation, data linkage by strengthening cooperation with various government ministries and research institutes, and easy information provision and menu composition.

• International Journal of Knowledge Content Development & Technology
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.7-22
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• 2023

The development of rural areas is expected to be holistic covering all essential infrastructure. Community information centres (CICs) are agen- cies that should be part of the infrastructures for rural development. Unfortunately, these centres are hardly seen in rural communities in Nigeria, including Afikpo in Ebonyi State. Thus, this study was conceived to explore the perceptions of citizens towards the establishment of CICs in the locality. It adopted survey research method with questionnaire as instrument for data collection, which was self-developed and validated by experts with a pre-texted reliability index of 0.72. A total of 399 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, out of which 267 copies were properly completed, representing 67% and were used for analysis. Findings revealed that the citizens have overall positive perception to- wards establishing the CICs; they are also knowledgeable of the benefits of such centres. Furthermore, there are workable suggestions on ways of establishing, funding and managing CICs in Afikpo. In addition, about 65% of the respondents indicated interest to assist and support the funding and management of the CICs when established. However, the challenges of inadequate funding and support as well as the possible politics of where to site/locate the CICs in Afikpo, are likely impediments to the project. The study concluded that citizens have strong and positive disposition towards establishing CICs in Afikpo. The implications of such CICs for technological innovations were analysed. The study recom- mends, among others, that government should see the establishment of CICs as priority projects that would significantly contribute to the growth and development of rural communities in Nigeria; communities in Afikpo should explore self-help approach to development; and political representatives from Afikpo should take advantage of establishing CICs as constituency projects for the citizens.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 2022

Background: In modern society, the number of households raising companion animals increases, and the market for veterinary medicines is expanding even more. This study aims to investigate the perception of companion animal lovers' veterinary medicines, the necessity of specific guidance by pharmacists for veterinary medicines, the role of pharmacists at veterinary pharmacies, and ways to fulfill that role. Methods: This study evaluated veterinary medicines and medication guidance through Google online questionnaire targeting pet-lovers from December 20, 2021, until January 19, 2022. The questions consist of 1) characteristics of petlovers, 2) purchase history and drug recognition of veterinary drugs, 3) use of veterinary vaccines, 4) use of diagnostic kits, and 5) guidance of veterinary medicines by local pharmacists. Results: The respondents' experience purchasing veterinary drugs was as high as 94.4%. The most purchased drug was heartworm-preventing products, and vaccination was performed mainly at veterinary clinics (veterinarians). The respondents primarily purchased veterinary medicines for companion animals at veterinary hospitals and did not know the name of the drugs which they bought. In addition, respondents expected to receive specific information on veterinary medicines from pharmacists. Conclusion: As the number of veterinary pharmacies in the community will increase with the expansion of the companion animal market, pharmacists should play their role as experts in veterinary medicines through systematic and continuous professional education.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.357-365
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• 2010

The study surveyed care giver's perceptions of baby food and evaluated the quantitative and qualitative aspects of Korean websites related to the baby food for atopic dermatitis infants. Sources of care giver information about baby food were the internet (93%), clinics (57%), television (52%), oriental clinics (37%), and neighbors (6%). The five most commonly-used internet search engines (Daum, Google, Nate, Naver and Yahoo) were searched using the terms "atopic dermatitis", "weaning food" and "baby food". The searched websites included oriental medical clinics (38.8%), online merchant companies (13.4%), corporations (13.4%), medical clinics (11.9%), related associations (11.9%), public health centers (4.4%) and personal sites (4.4%). Website food and nutrition information included medical information about baby food for atopic dermatitis (92.6%), baby food for atopic dermatitis (67.6%), related community (58.8%), product information (32.4%) and baby food preparation for atopic dermatitis (23.5%). Qualitative evaluation was conducted based on the American Library Association website checklist; Website operator and information sources were provided for 62.7% and 38.8% of the websites, respectively. The purpose of a website was more explicitly stated in medical clinic sites than nonmedical sites. Only 24.2% of websites had a title that appropriately reflected the site's purpose. The majority (92.5%) of the sites were easy to read and understand. Information was judged to be sufficient in 65% of the medical sites and 74.1% of non-medical sites. A feedback menu and search function were enabled in 85.1% and 28.4% of the sites, respectively. The mean score for quality grade was 14.64 (range 9-19). In conclusion, in order to improve the information of baby food for atopic dermatitis infants in websites, accurate information by experts and continuing monitoring are highly required.

• Journal of the Korean BIBLIA Society for library and Information Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.183-200
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• 2006

Now, more than any other time, education experts in Korea are focusing on the importance of reading. Based on this circumstance. it is necessary to introduce and develop reading assessments in the library and information science. The research introduces reading assessment tools from a psychological standpoint for the purpose of increasing reading efficiency through literature reviews. There are four categories reading attitude, interest, motivation and perception on reading. Also the research presents the suggestion to make a new reading assessment tool at a later time. When developing reading assessment tools from a psychological standpoint, it is necessary to establish the items through which how a student feels himself or herself as a reader, and subsequently how teachers, parents, and friends feel the student as a reader. Besides establishing of these appropriate items. a developer should provide directions for administration and interpretation.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.105-114
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• 2022

Background: The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is used in the colleges of Korean Medicine, but few studies have validated the OSCE evaluation criteria or post-education questionnaires. Diagnostic ultrasound is used in Korean medicine treatment including acupuncture, acupotomy, and pharmacopuncture to increase the safety and efficacy of treatment. We aimed to develop and validate a OSCE checklist and questionnaire for diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound training. Methods: A OSCE checklist and rubric for diagnostic ultrasound training, and questionnaire was developed using literature research. Eight expert panelists verified each draft item in a single-round survey. Items with a content validity ratio (CVR) < 0.75 were excluded or modified to reflect the experts' opinions. Results: The OSCE checklist and rubric for diagnostic ultrasound training focusing on volar wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome included: 15 items revised according to CVR and expert opinions, the pre-examination procedure, structures to be identified by ultrasound, scans with 2 diagnostic criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome, an explanation of the exam results, and the post exam procedure. The questionnaire consisted of 15 items, including the overall evaluation of training, the effect of the OSCE, and the perception of the ultrasound. All 6 self-evaluation items were not revised, as they had a CVR of ≥ 0.75. Conclusion: An ultrasound OSCE for scanning the volar wrist and diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome was developed using 15 validated tasks, 15 survey questions about ultrasound training, and 6 questions for self-evaluation. These results may be used in the future for education in diagnostic ultrasound.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.294-307
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• 2024

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietitians frequently use nutrition education tools to facilitate dietary counselling sessions. Nevertheless, these tools may require adaptation to keep pace with technological advancements. This study had a 2-fold purpose: first, to identify the types of nutrition education tools currently in use, identify their limitations, and explore dietitians' perspectives on the importance of these tools; second, to investigate the features that dietitians prefer in digital nutrition education tools. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A semi-structured face-to-face interview was conducted among 15 dietitians from selected public hospitals, primary care clinics, and teaching hospitals in Malaysia. Inductive thematic analysis of the responses was conducted using NVivo version 12 software. RESULTS: Most dietitians used physical education tools including the healthy plate model, pamphlets, food models, and flip charts. These tools were perceived as important as they facilitate the nutrition assessment process, deliver nutrition intervention, and are time efficient. However, dietitians described the current educational tools as impersonal, outdated, limited in availability due to financial constraints, unhandy, and difficult to visualise. Alternatively, they strongly favoured digital education tools that provided instant feedback, utilised an automated system, included a local food database, were user-friendly, developed by experts in the field, and seamlessly integrated into the healthcare system. CONCLUSION: Presently, although dietitians have a preference for digital educational tools, they heavily rely on physical nutrition education tools due to their availability despite the perception that these tools are outdated, impersonal, and inconvenient. Transitioning to digital dietary education tools could potentially address these issues.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.173-186
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• 2008

This study aimed to examine the operation of the Home Economics education courses in the graduate schools of education, and to find out how graduate students perceive them. Data were collected with the use of handbooks issued by 11 graduate schools of education located in Seoul, and through telephone conversations with the administrative staff. To determine how graduate students majoring in Home Economics perceive their Home Economics courses, a survey was conducted among the graduate students in 10 graduate schools of education, and a total of 131 accomplished questionnaires were used for data analysis. The results of the study are as follows. First, all 11 graduate schools aimed to retrain their teachers, enhance their professionalism, and produce home economics education experts. The Home Economics Education courses come in two strands; a teacher's course and a major course. Most of the schools require a total of 30 credits. All Schools lack professors. Only 3 graduate schools have a home Economics Department in the College of Education. All graduate schools are offering a teacher's course based on a teacher's certification system. In a major course, Home Economics education has the largest number of subjects, with Clothing and Textiles and Food and Nutrition being given greater emphasis, and Consumer Economics, Home Economics Management, Child Care, and Family and Housing Studies being given less emphasis. Second, they mostly regard the graduate school of education as producer of experts, followed by producers of teachers and teacher re-trainers. Those who were majoring in Home Economics Education in college, and the teachers, are more interested in teacher re-training, while the non-teachers and those who were not majoring in Home Economics Education are more interested in producing teachers. They are less satisfied with the operation of the graduate school of education. But they are generally satisfied with the Home Economics Education course. Graduate students registered the lowest satisfaction with a major course, especially experimental subjects. For a teacher's course, the graduate students who are not teachers exhibited higher satisfaction, whereas the teachers showed lower satisfaction. But teachers registered more satisfaction with the practical use of major subjects in the educational field, thinking that their major was a big help in their work at a school. As for what has to be improved with regard to the Home Economics Education course, many cited the necessity of securing a good faculty and expanding the major subjects.