• Journal of Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.275-286
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• 2013

It is well known that exposure to high level of PM (particulate matter) can adversely affect human health. However, little is known about health burden of PM considering the relationship, exposed level of PM, and health level in local communities. And, there is scarcely methodical assessment of uncertainty for application to policies of these assessment results. The scope of this study is divided into two parts: firstly to estimate the death burden of PM10 (particulate matter less then $10{\mu}m$ in diameter) in Seoul metropolitan region, and secondly to evaluate potential uncertainties in these estimates. To estimate the death burden of PM10 in Seoul metropolitan region from 2005~2010, we firstly assessed the relationship between daily mean PM10 and daily death counts in Seoul from 2000~2010, and calculated the death burden of PM10 using BenMAP (Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program). After that, we identified and characterized uncertainties to substantially influence the results of death burden. The daily mortality risk was increased 1.000227 times (p-value/0.001) associated with $1{\mu}g/m^3$ increase of daily mean PM10 for all ages population, Seoul. And, death burdens of PM10 in Seoul metropolitan region were estimated from 5.51 in 2005 to 5.12 in 2010 per 100,000 people. Finally, we categorized context, model, and input uncertainty and characterized these uncertainties in three dimensions (i.e. location, level, and nature) using uncertainty typology. In our study, we argue that uncertainties need to be identified, assessed, reported and interpreted in order for assessment results to adequately support decision making, such as the establishment of air quality standards based on health burden of air quality.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.190-200
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• 2019

This study aimed to investigate the associations between subjective oral health status and OHIP-14 among Chinese residents. A survey was conducted on the Chinese residing in Busan. As a result of analyses on the collected data with SPSS 25.0 the OHIP-14 was significantly different depending on the subjective oral health status including mastication discomfort experience, toothache experience, oral temperature sensitive response experience, gingival bleeding and disease experience, dry mouth experience and halitosis experience. The major variables were all positively correlated. Among the factors of subjective oral health status affecting the oral health-related quality of life, the influences of mastication (p<0.001) and halitosis (p<0.05) were significant. There is a need for a medical support system that can provide practically oral health policies and support Korean language for foreigners.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.56-65
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• 2020

Purpose:This study aims to understand and explore the subjective experiences of patient safety education among health care professionals in developing a patient safety curriculum in South Korea. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted through two focus group interviews in the period October-December 2018. Eleven participants who underwent patient safety education participated in each session. All interviews were recorded and transcribed as spoken, and qualitative content analysis was used to identify categories of discussion depicting participants' subjective experience with patient safety education. Results: A total of three categories and seven themes were identified out of 77 units of analysis. Topics were identified in the dimensions of a patient safety curriculum, as follows: (1) activities for patient safety; (2) principle of patient safety (five rights, ethics, patient participation) and patient participation; (3) leadership, teamwork, and communication; and (4) reporting and learning system for patient safety events. In the dimension of methods, (5) case and evidence-based education and (6) multidisciplinary and small group teaching were identified. Finally, in the dimension of the system, (7) policies for patient safety education were identified. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that patient safety education is a significant area for health care professionals. Health care professionals suggested that a systematic patient safety curriculum would improve their knowledge and attitude toward patient safety. Moreover, it enables them to better construct a safety environment in a hospital.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.42-48
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• 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the applications and prospects of big data in digital dental healthcare. Methods: The study included 30 participants in the dental field (dentists, technicians, professors, and graduate students). From June 25 to 30, 2023, the contents of the study were thoroughly explained, consent was obtained from the research subjects, and a questionnaire was administered via an internet service. The questionnaires of 28 participants who responded completely were used for analysis. The collected data were statistically processed using IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 22.0 (IBM). Results: The use of big data in digital dental healthcare, digital dental health system, mobile dental health, dental health analysis, and telehealthcare were all heavily surveyed, with an average score of 3.97 or higher on a 5-point Likert scale. The areas where big data can be utilized in digital dental healthcare are as follows. The utilization rate for three-dimensional digital product development via linkage with big data systems and industrial field manufacturing technology was found to be 4.11±0.67, and the analysis of trends by age in the occurrence of various oral diseases was found to be 4.00±0.98. Conclusion: In the future, research into the viability of big data's success in the medical data field, which is directly related to human life, is needed. Additionally, social policies and regulations regarding big data-related information and standards in dental healthcare are necessary.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.145-158
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• 2017

Objectives: The importance of kimchi as a traditional food in Korean cuisine has gradually decreased due to rapid industrialization, economic growth and changes in dietary patterns in Korea. This study aimed to examine the shifts in kimchi consumption by region and by income level between 2005 and 2015 in Korea. Methods: Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys III (2005) and VI (2015) were used in the study (n=15,558). Intake of kimchi was estimated using a single 24-hour dietary recall. The sample weights were applied in all analyses to reflect population estimates. All statistical analyses were carried out by using SPSS IBM Statistics 20. Results: Kimchi intake has significantly decreased by 27.6 g/day per capita during the last decade in Korea; 25.0 g for males and 29.9 g for females, respectively. Over the past decade, the decline of kimchi intake has been particularly significant in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Gwangju, while there has been no significant change in males living in rural areas. The consumption of kimchi across all income levels has decreased, however, the decrease was higher in 'middle and low income level'. The amount of kimchi consumption in 2015 was the highest in 'low income level'. The results were similar after adjusting for gender and age. Conclusions: For the past decade, the overall intake of kimchi in Korea has decreased, however, it has been found that the decrease of kimchi intake for males living in the rural areas was not significant. Therefore, in order to keep our traditional kimchi culture and promote a balanced diet including kimchi for Korean, it is necessary to develop more efficient policies and approaches. A variety of dishes using kimchi should be developed, besides merely serving kimchi with rice as a side dish, to increase the consumption of kimchi.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.8
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• pp.4043-4048
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• 2016

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the ninth most common cancer worldwide, and has a poor 5-year survival rate averaging 50%, which has not changed for decades. A high prevalence of HNC has been reported in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia, as compared to other areas of the country. However, data in regards to HNC are scattered and not well documented. Thus, the aim of this systematic review was to gather all available and updated important information regarding HNC in Saudi Arabia, and highlight the gaps of knowledge in our country with regard to this disease. In addition, suggestions of solutions to overcome the current status and improve our future standard of care to fight HNC are also highlighted. Materials and Methods: The electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar using English-language literature were used for this systematic review, using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and keywords. The search was performed in April 2016 and updated in June 2016. Results: Our search revealed twenty-one studies that fulfilled our inclusion and exclusion criteria and that were conducted in Saudi Arabia. These studies investigated different aspects of HNC, including prevalence, risk factors, biomarkers, and assessed knowledge and awareness of both public and practitioners with regard to HNC. Conclusions: This review uncovered a big gap in our epidemiological data in cancer information in general, and head and neck cancer in particular. In addition, a lack of knowledge and awareness of both the public and health care practitioners hinders the early diagnosis of disease and negatively impact the prognosis, treatment and outcome. The Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia should develop a more systematic way and adapt policies to gather cancer information in general, and head and neck cancer in particular, from all governmental and private sectors from all over the kingdom, and develop educational programs to raise the knowledge and awareness of HNC in the country.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.83-102
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• 2006

The purpose of this study is to understand the present conditions and problems of the joint education between industry and the academic world in the field of dental technology which were identified by the department of dental technology with the related industries and to meet their expectations for the cooperative education. The results of this study will be able to be furnished as basic data in deciding the direction of policy toward skillful dental technicians with a view to improving job employment rate of college graduates. The questionnaires for data were done by the dental technicians working in Daegu City and Kyeongbuk Province and students studying at the department of dental technology, Daegu Health College. The questionnaires of this study were processed by SPSS program. We could confirm through the investigation that on-the-job training as one of the joint policies between industry and the academic world is closely related to all the college education and that the results of on-the-job training can be expected under the close cooperation and the complementary relationship between industry and the academic world. Therefore, this study indicates the directions of policy toward skillful technicians through the cooperation between industry and the academic world as follows : 1. The cooperative systems among industry, academic world, and government are needed for the improvement of efficient job employment rate. The continuous training programs are needed to be built up for the maintenance and development of the technicians'specialty after employment. 2. The all-in-one educational programs both education and employment are needed for the on-the-job training through the cooperation between industry and the academic world, and the activation of the organizations which fully operate them is also needed. That's because the sufficient on-the-job training as one of the joint policies between industry and the academic world and the education of the whole man and the improvement of sociality for the expectant graduates in the academic world can be the methods which reduce the jobless rate and the job-change rate.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.14-34
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• 2013

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to provide comprehensive information of qualification systems of developed countries needed to establish our national system for QI(Quality improvement) specialists. Methods: All articles related to any applicable domestic or foreign countries' laws, operational status, and detailed programs for professional qualification system of QI were reviewed. Result: In the United States, a non-profit organization, Healthcare Quality Certification Commission (HQCC) has set the policies, procedures and standards in the field of health care quality. And qualification system of CPHQ (certified professional in healthcare quality) has been operated in order to authenticate the qualifications in the field of quality management. IBQH(international Board for quality in healthcare), a qualification system of experts in the United Kingdom, was designed to assist the qualification of professionals to improve the quality of healthcare. In addition, Health Research Center of Feinberg School of Medicine in Northwestern University has been operating Master's and doctoral degree programs in the field of the quality of care and patient safety and IHI (institute for healthcare improvement) open school was operating a professional training course related to the quality of care and patient safety. Conclusion: Quantity and complexity of information of the quality of care and patient safety have been increased. For reform of the health care system, a special training course of the expertise and leadership are needed. So far, there is no national professional certification courses in our nation. Therefore essential job skill should be acquired individually. For systematic and effective quality improvement activities, the educational and certification system with professional development model are needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6985-6989
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• 2013

Background: This study aimed to examine out-of-pocket expenditure for cancer treatments of hospitalized patients and to analyze changing patterns over time. Materials and Methods: This study examined data of all cancer patients receiving inpatient care from two tertiary hospitals from January 2003 to December 2010. Medical expenditures per admission were calculated and classified into those covered and uncovered by the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) and co-payment. Results: The medical expenditure per admission increased slowly from 3,455 thousand Korean won (KRW) to 4,068 thousand KRW. While expenditures covered by the NHI have increased annually, co-payments have generally decreased. The out-of-pocket expenditure ratio, which means the proportion of uncovered expenditure and co-payment among total medical expenditure dropped sharply from 2005 to 2007 and was maintained at a similar level after 2007. Medical expenditures, NHI coverage, and the out-of-pocket expenditure ratio differed across cancer types. Conclusions: It is necessary to continually monitor the expenditure of uncovered services by the NHI, and to provide policies to reduce this economic burden. In addition, an individual approach considering cancer type-specific characteristics and medical utilization should be provided.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.271-282
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• 2014

Background: Although the mortality rate in cancers has been decreased recently, it is still one of the leading causes of death in most of the countries. This study analyzed the relationship between surgery volume and in hospital mortality of cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship in Korean healthcare environment and to provide information for the policy development in reducing cancer mortality. Methods: The study sample was the 20,517 cancer patients who underwent surgery and discharged during a month period between 2008-2011. The data were collected in Patient Survey by Korean Institute of Social Affairs. Logistic regression was used to analyse a comprehensive analytic model that includes a binary dependent variable indicating death discharge and independent variables such as surgery volume, organizational characteristics of hospitals, socio-economical characteristics of the patients, and severity of disease indicators. Results: In chi-square test, as the surgery volume increases, the in-hospitals mortality showed a downward trends. In regression analysis, the relationship between surgery volume and mortality showed significant negative associations in all types of cancer except for pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: In the absence of other information patients undergoing cancer surgery can reduce their risk of operative death by selecting a high-volume hospital. Therefore, policies to enhance centralization of cancer surgery services should be considered.