• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.47-61
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• 2017

Purpose: This study aims to suggest the spatial composition and area of the intensive care units through analysis of current situation for the standards establishment of the intensive care units in public district hospitals in the future. Methods: Three Methods have been used in this paper. 1) Literature reviews about composition, location, foreign standards on intensive care units. 2) Comparative analysis on the architectural drawing for the space program and the area. 3) Field survey in order to confirm differences between architectural drawing and current situation. Results: 1) The intensive care units is required to be linked by the operating department, the emergency department and the sterile supply department upon considerations of accessibility of emergency patients and the infection control. 2) The intensive care unit consists of five areas such as the patient area, the medical staff area, the material and equipment area, the patient family area, and the public area. 3) The location of spaces in the intensive care unit is classified by three methods such as connection by view, circulation and connection to corridor. The [table 20] summarizes the type of space and the average size of the space in intensive care unit. Implications: This study is a basic research for guideline of intensive care units, and need to be followed by further study using various perspectives and methods in the future.

• Journal of Communications and Networks
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.453-462
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• 2015

Body area networks (BANs) have emerged as an enabling technique for e-healthcare systems, which can be used to continuously and remotely monitor patients' health. In BANs, the data of a patient's vital body functions and movements can be collected by small wearable or implantable sensors and sent using shortrange wireless communication techniques. Due to the shared wireless medium between the sensors in BANs, it may be possible to have malicious attacks on e-healthcare systems. The security and privacy issues of BANs are becoming more and more important. To provide secure and correct association of a group of sensors with a patient and satisfy the requirements of data confidentiality and integrity in BANs, we propose a novel enhanced secure sensor association and key management protocol based on elliptic curve cryptography and hash chains. The authentication procedure and group key generation are very simple and efficient. Therefore, our protocol can be easily implemented in the power and resource constrained sensor nodes in BANs. From a comparison of results, furthermore, we can conclude that the proposed protocol dramatically reduces the computation and communication cost for the authentication and key derivation compared with previous protocols. We believe that our protocol is attractive in the application of BANs.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.82-89
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• 2010

Ankle-foot orthosis with an artificial pneumatic muscle which is intended for the assistance of plantarfelxion torque was developed. In this study, power pattern of the device in the various pneumatics and the effectiveness of the system were investigated. The pneumatic power was provided by ankle-foot orthosis controlled by user‘s physiological signal, that is, muscular stiffness in soleus muscle. This pneumatic power can assist plantarflexion torque of ankle joint. The subjects performed maximal voluntary isokinetic plantarflexion motion on a biodexdynamometer in different pneumatics, and they completed three conditions: 1) without wearing the orthosis, 2) wearing the orthosis with artificial muscles turned off, 3) wearing the orthosis activated under muscular stiffness control. Through these experiments, we confirmed the effectiveness of the orthosis and muscular stiffness control using the analyzing isokinetic plantarflexion torque. The experimental results showed that isokinetic torques of plantarflexion motion of the ankle joints gradually increased in incremental pneumatic. The effectiveness of the orthosis was -7.26% and the effectiveness of the muscular stiffness control was 17.83% in normalized isokinetic plantarflexion torque. Subjects generated the less isokinetic torques of the ankle joints in wearing the orthosis with artificial muscles turned off, but isokinetic torques were appropriately reinforced in condition of wearing the orthosis activated under muscular stiffness control(17.83%) compared to wearing the orthosis(-7.26%). Therefore, we respect that developed powered orthosis is applied in the elderly that has weak muscular power as the rehabilitation equipment.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1026-1034
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to verify the validation of effect on improvement of muscle strength unbalance according to exercise load deviation during rowing exercise. We performed evaluation of muscular activity and joint torque before the test. We recruited twenty subjects who one side's muscle strength is bigger in more 20% than other side. Subjects divided two groups. One is dominant left side and the other was dominant right side. Subjects performed rowing exercise in electric load deviation rowing equipment (Robo.gym, Humonic Co., Ltd., Daegu, Korea). Exercise performed four sets a day including 25 times a set, and three days a week. Measurements consist of evaluation of muscular activity and joint torque. Exercise load deviation adapted that different value of muscle strength in both arms multiplied 1RM% and added 1RM 50%. The results in adapted load deviation showed that the differences of maximal peak torque in 22.75% were getting increase significantly during exercise in 5.72%. This interpreted that rowing exercise with loading deviation types could provide muscle strength and muscular endurance exercise in same time for balance. Our study found out that loading deviation could provide muscle strength and muscular endurance exercise for improving muscle unbalance.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.39-49
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• 2021

Purpose: The negative pressure isolation ward is a key facility in preparedness and response to infectious diseases. For the sustainable operation of the facility, appropriate facility improvement is required. The experience of medical staff responding to infectious diseases in the COVID-19 pandemic provides effective informations for facility planning. Methods: The post occupancy evaluation (POE) was conducted by interviewing medical staff who is working on Nationally designated negative pressure isolation ward in general hospital. Floor plan analysis was conducted before field surveys for identifying facility characteristic and spatial composition. After that, field surveys were conducted at 3 hospitals, and interviews and fieldwork were conducted together. Results: It is necessary to increase the standard size of ward area from 15m² to 20m². The size of the doffing room has to be planned for accommodation of two or more people. Equipment storage, clean storage and waste storage also should be properly planned. There were almost no problems with the circulation in the ward. There was not enough space for medical staff. Implications: For a sustainable and safe negative pressure isolation ward planning, it is necessary to exploit learning from the medical staffs who have many experiences of coping with infectious diseases.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design
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• v.34 no.11
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• pp.95-104
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• 2018

Healthcare technology has been growing and fostering cooperation between industry, university and hospitals as growth engines in korea. So, the medibio research institutes in hospital have been constructed to promote research and industrialization centering on healthcare technology. The purpose of this study is to investigate the cases of research institutes in hospitals, and search the characteristics of building organization of medibio research laboratory facilities. Case study is investigated by floor plan, homepage and site visits about five research institutes selected in research-driven hospitals. The facility title and size of research laboratory is originated from site area and research building location. The building function include not only the research lab and business office reflecting on the development platform, and but assembly and meeting room in the ground level. Laboratory floor plans have three types, rectangular, rectangular+linear and linear type, one is traditional and efficient, the others are people and friendly. And building core types are correlated with lab space unit modules, single and double side core are shown in rectangular type. All the laboratories are open lab, composed with laboratory bench and research note writing desk facing the lab service and enclosed lab-support area. And they have communication space looking as warm and cozy common area for the innovation, convergence and collaboration. As the high risk of contamination and high standard for safety and security, equipment and facilities are well managed with biological environment including BSC, fume hood, PCR classification, eye washing and emergency shower.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.148-157
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• 2021

Background: Based on that the key function of health technology is improving the quality of healthcare services, our study purports to explore the process of medical device development in detail and to discuss its policy implications. Methods: A total of 12 in-depth interviews were conducted with four groups of industry, hospital, academia, and civil society. All of the interviewees except those from civil society were involved in the new medical device development between 2009 and 2018. We performed a text network analysis and content analysis of the interview data. Results: The frequency and the degree centrality rankings suggested a close association between the utilization issue and the technology development. Similarly, the results of the content analysis showed that the appropriate intervention in the utilization of technology has a direct impact on the progress of development. Under the continuous industrial effort to boost profits by developing new technology, service providers and citizens should be knowledgeable of and make good use of the new technology for the provision of better services. Conclusion: As the development itself would not guarantee the improvement of service quality and better health outcomes, health technology policies should take a more comprehensive view to serve the unmet needs and even to facilitate the technology development.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.31-38
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• 2022

Purpose: This study presents the results of the analysis on space utilization of kidney dialysis units in regional public hospitals, which plays a key role in local public medical services. The result aims to achieve safety from infection, allow comfort for the dialysis environment, and stability for medical support. The purpose of this study is to present fundamental data for architectural plans for the kidney dialysis unit, as well as to alleviate potential infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Methods: For research purposes, the investigation and analysis of space utilization were based on architectural floor plans, research papers and literature, related legal systems, and public statistics. Of the main 35 regional public hospitals, in regards to data accessibility, 15 facilities were selected to conduct the survey and analysis for the objective. Results: The space composition by area research results of kidney dialysis units in public hospitals are as follows: Firstly, most targets do not have required rooms in the access and support area, except for the hemodialysis beds in the treatment section. Secondly, the access area requires necessary room and space design that took into consideration of convenience and accessibility for patients. Thirdly, in regards to infection prevention and control, proper circulation and room plan is essential for storage and disposal of contaminated products and linen after use. For the treatment area, the arrangement plan needs to establish a visual connection between the isolation room, the nursing station, and the bed area. Additionally, consideration of circulation in the preparation, treatment, observation, examination, and all other rooms in the facility is required. Lastly, for the support area, the room is designed to consider adequate working and meeting spaces for the medical staff, consultation space for patients or guardians, separate storage and disposal of clean and contaminated items, and the storage of various equipment for dialysis. Implications: In preparation for the increase in chronic kidney failure patients and the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, the researched data demonstrates the basic guidelines for space composition of kidney dialysis units and the significant role of regional public hospitals.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.223-229
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• 2022

Background: The first large coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak outside China occurred in Daegu. In response, we developed infection prevention measures for surgical patients during the outbreak at our hospital and retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of COVID-19-related surgical patients. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 118 COVID-19-related surgical patients and monitored their clinical outcomes until March 31, 2021. We also interviewed healthcare workers who participated in their perioperative care at Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital. The perioperative management guidelines for COVID-19-related patients were prepared through multidisciplinary discussions, including the infection control department, surgical departments, and anesthesiology department before and during the COVID-19 outbreak. Results: One standard operating room was temporarily converted to a negative-pressure room by increasing the exhaust air volume, creating a relative pressure of -11.3 Pa. The healthcare workers were equipped with personal protective equipment according to the patient's classification of the risk of COVID-19 transmission. The 118 COVID-19-related patients underwent emergent surgery in the negative-pressure room, including three COVID-19-confirmed patients and five COVID-19-exposed patients. Conclusion: All surgeries of the COVID-19-related patients were performed without specific adverse events or perioperative COVID-19 transmission. Our experience setting up a negative-pressure operating room and conservative perioperative protocol to prevent COVID-19 transmission will help plan and execute infection control measures in the future.

• Journal of Appropriate Technology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.226-237
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• 2020

As the number of reported COVID-19 cases rises around the world, regions affected by the virus are taking serious measures to contain its spread. Face shields are one of the highest-need personal protective equipment (PPE) during COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond traditional face masks, as known cases of the coronavirus soar, currently there is a significant shortage of face shields around the world. In response, the protective face shields were designed and fabricated with open-source 3D modelling software and 3D printing technology, respectively. Our face shield consisted of two parts only; a reusable 3D printed headband and a visor made of transparent plastic sheet, as barrier. The resulting 3D printed face shields are affordable, lightweight, one-size-fits-most and ready-to-wear with minimal assemblies, and go on easily over glass, goggle and face mask. To ensure being donated to the healthcare professionals without risk infected by any pathogens, the 3D printed face shields were successfully be disinfected with ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI dosage of 1000 mJ/cm²) and 70% alcohol. For routine disinfection a UVGI chamber was designed and optimized to provide uniform UV-C illumination with an appreciated fluence for complete decontamination. More than 1,000 face shields were produced already and donated to the special hospitals for COVID-19 patients, quarantines, government and medical agencies in Ethiopia as well as in East-African countries. With certainty, our intention goes beyond the hospitals and other first responders, but not limited for all those who have to stay in the service or be in contact with many other people in the time of COVID-19 pandemic.