• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.277-283
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• 2023

Purpose: Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common condition in infants, but little is known about healthcare providers' clinical experience treating infants with CMPA. To address this gap, we analyzed prospectively collected data from healthcare providers (HCPs) who treated infants under six months old with suspected CMPA using hypoallergenic formulas. The study focused on a commercial extensively hydrolyzed formula containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC53103) (eHF-LGG) or a commercial amino acid formula (AAF). Methods: In this secondary analysis of prospectively collected survey data, 52 HCPs treated 329 infants under six months old with suspected CMPA using hypoallergenic formulas. A series of two de-identified surveys per patient were collected by HCPs to assess short-term symptom relief in the patients and HCP's satisfaction with the management strategies. The initial survey was completed at the initiation of treatment of CMPA, and the second survey was completed at a follow-up visit. Results: The majority of HCPs (87%) in the study were general pediatricians, and most saw 2 to 10 CMPA patients weekly. Results showed that clinicians reported satisfaction with treatment in 95% of patients in the EHF cohort and 97% of patients in the AAF cohort and achieved expected clinical results in 93% and 97% of patients using eHF and AAF, respectively. Furthermore, few patients were switched from the hypoallergenic formula once initiated. Conclusion: The study provides new insights into HCP perspectives on treating infants with CMPA and supports using hypoallergenic formulas to manage this condition. However, additional prospective controlled studies are needed to confirm these initial findings.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.85-97
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• 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to describe nurses' perceived needs and barriers to pediatric palliative care (PPC). Methods: Mixed methods with an embedded design were applied. An online survey was conducted for nurses who participated in the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium- Pediatric Palliative Care (ELNEC-PPC) train-the-trainer program, of whom 63 responded. Quantitative data were collected with a survey questionnaire developed through the Delphi method. The 47 items for needs and 15 items for barriers to PPC were analyzed with descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were collected through open-ended questions and analyzed with topic modeling techniques. Results: The mean scores of most subdomains of the PPC needs were 3.5 or higher out of 4, and those of PPC barriers ranged from 3.22 to 3.56, indicating the items in the questionnaire developed in this study properly reflect each factor. The needs for PPC were divided into 4 categories: "children and adolescents," "families," "PPC management system," and "community-based PPC." Meanwhile, PPC barriers were divided into 3 categories: "healthcare delivery system," "healthcare provider," and "client." The keywords derived from the topic modeling were perception, palliative, children, and education for necessities and lack, perception, medical care, professional care providers, service, and system for barriers to PPC. Conclusion: In this study, by using mixed-methods, items of nurses' perceived needs and barriers to PPC were identified, categorized, and weighted, and their meanings were explored. For the stable establishment of PPC, the priority should be given to improving perceptions of PPC, establishing an appropriate system, and training professional care providers.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.27-37
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the changes in hospital accreditation evaluations, the changes in hospital building design guidelines, and the development of design indicators for reducing medical accidents in the state-of-the-art healthcare providers. Methods: The changes and tools were carefully investigated and compared that had been taken place and used in the building certification standards, design guidelines, and patient safety design standards to reduce accidents in the United States and the United Kingdom. Results: First, medical accidents are recognized as multiple defense layers rather than personal ones, and a public reporting and learning system is created, reporting the accidents in question publicly and suggesting ways to improve them based on the data at a time. Second, for the accreditation institute that secures the service quality of medical institutions, detailed standards for patient safety are continuously updated with focus on clinical trials. The United States is in charge of the private sector, but on the other hand the United Kingdom is in charge of the public sector. Third, the design guidelines are provided as web-based tools that complement various guidelines for patient safety, and are improved and developed as well. Fourth, detailed approaches are continuously developed and provided to secure patient safety and reduce medical accidents through appropriate research, evidence-based design and strict evaluations. Implications: When medical institutions make efforts to strength patient safety methods through valid design standards, accidents are expected to decrease, whereby hospital finances are also to be improved. A higher level of medical quality service will sure be secured through comprehensive certification evaluation.

• Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing
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• v.20 no.sup1
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• pp.137-143
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine effectiveness and usefulness of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in communication between physician and visiting nurses who provide visiting nursing services under long-term care insurance. Methods: Structured questionnaires were used to measure usefulness and satisfaction of the system, both accessibility and convenience to visiting nurses (31 people) and users (182 people). Results: From the user perspective, accessibility and convenience in terms of service users were both satisfactory as shown by users' percentage. No statistically significant difference was found for satisfaction between before and after using the system. The usefulness of the system for visiting nurses was satisfactory for most the nurses. Also most nurses answered that the system is needed and is very useful. Most of the participants (both visiting nurse and service users) were satisfied with use of the ICT system. However, there was no statistically significant difference in satisfaction between the pre and post service because the service provision period was too short (three months). Conclusion: The consensus from both users and service providers is that an ICT based visiting nursing system needs to be introduced but a more user - friendly environment for system development will be needed.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.104-114
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• 2021

Objective: To explore the perception of drug utilization review (DUR) system and DUR modernization pilot project among healthcare professionals and patients. Methods: We conducted 8 times of focus group interviews (FGI) between August 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The healthcare professionals and patients who participated in the DUR modernization pilot project were included in the present study. Based on the type of project participation or medical institution, the participants were divided into the following four groups: group 1, hospital; group 2, clinic; group 3, pharmacy; and group 4, patient. Within each group, interviews were conducted under a pre-defined agenda to identify the implicit perceptions of the participants; the contents of the interviews were, then, categorized. Results: Healthcare professionals established a consensus on the positive aspects of the DUR system and DUR modernization pilot project. However, substantial concerns remain, such as additional workload associated with monitoring adverse events or acquiring consents from patients. Furthermore, a difference of opinion over the DUR convenience system was observed. Among 3 DUR convenience system, the personal medication history review service was highly utilized, but pop-up hold function and communication system was rarely used. Conclusion: We observed that systematic intervention using the DUR system is effective for both healthcare providers and consumers. Adverse events caused by inappropriate drug use can be prevented by continuous patient monitoring. Therefore, the role of DUR system needs to be expanded to establish a safe drug management system.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2024

This article underscores the importance of integrating comprehensive palliative care for noncancer patients who are undergoing hemodialysis, with an emphasis on the aging populations in Asian nations such as Taiwan, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China. As the global demographic landscape shifts towards an aging society and healthcare continues to advance, a marked increase has been observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis who require palliative care. This necessitates an immediate paradigm shift to incorporate this care, addressing the intricate physical, psychosocial, and spiritual challenges faced by these individuals and their families. Numerous challenges impede the provision of effective palliative care, including difficulties in prognosis, delayed referrals, cultural misconceptions, lack of clinician confidence, and insufficient collaboration among healthcare professionals. The article proposes potential solutions, such as targeted training for clinicians, the use of telemedicine to facilitate shared decision-making, and the introduction of time-limited trials for dialysis to overcome these obstacles. The integration of palliative care into routine renal treatment and the promotion of transparent communication among healthcare professionals represent key strategies to enhance the quality of life and end-of-life care for people on hemodialysis. By embracing innovative strategies and fostering collaboration, healthcare providers can deliver more patient-centered, holistic care that meets the complex needs of seriously ill patients within an aging population undergoing hemodialysis.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.163-177
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• 2024

Background: This study aims to examine changes in fraudulent claim counts and total reimbursements before and after enhancements in counterfeit claim controls and monitoring of provider claim patterns under the "Proactive self-audit pilot program of fraudulent claims." Methods: This study used the claims data and hospital information (July 2021-February 2022) of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The data was collected from 1,129 hospitals assigned to the pilot program, selected from the providers who filed a claim for reimbursement for intravenous injections. Paired and independent t-tests, along with regression analysis, were utilized to analyze changing patterns and factors influencing claim behaviors. Results: This program led to a reduction in the number of fraudulent claims and the total amount of reimbursements across all levels of hospitals in the experimental groups (except for physicians below 40 years old). In the control group, general hospitals and hospitals demonstrated some significant decreases based on the duration since opening, while clinics showed significant reductions in specified subjects. Additionally, a notable increase was observed among male physicians over the age of 50 years. Overall, claims and reimbursements significantly declined after the intervention. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between hospital opening duration and claim numbers, suggesting longer-established hospitals were more likely to file claims. Conclusion: The results indicate that the pilot program successfully encouraged providers to autonomously minimize fraudulent claims. Therefore, it is advised to extend further support, including promotional activities, training, seminars, and continuous monitoring, to nonparticipating hospitals to facilitate independent improvements in their claim practices.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.28-40
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• 2019

The incidence of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is on the rise, accounting for up to 25% of IBD cases. Pediatric IBD often has extensive bowel involvement with aggressive and rapidly progressing behavior compared to adult IBD. Because IBD has a high morbidity rate and can have a lifelong impact, successful transition from pediatric to adult care is important to maintain the continuity of care. Furthermore, successful transition facilitates appropriate development and psychosocial well-being among patients, as well as comprehensive and harmonious healthcare delivery amongst stakeholders. However, there are various obstacles related to patients, family, providers, and organizations that interfere with successful transition. Successful transition requires a flexible and tailored plan that is made according to the patient's developmental abilities and situation. This plan should be established through periodic interviews with the patient and family and through close collaboration with other care providers. Through a stepwise approach to the transition process, patients' knowledge and self-management skills can be improved. After preparation for the transition is completed and the obstacles are overcome, patients can be gradually moved to adult care. Finally, successful transition can increase patients' adherence to therapy, maintain the appropriate health status, improve patients' self-management, and promote self-reliance among patients.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.890-915
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• 2022

Although existing studies on e-health have usually focused on e-health services adoption intention, there is a dearth of studies on the barriers that affect e-health services retention intention especially in India. Additionally, although studies have mostly focused on utilizing expectation-confirmation model to understand innovation related barriers, innovation resistance theory (IRT) has been overlooked. As Indian e-health service providers face stiff challenges due to customer's unwillingness to continue using the service, there is a need to bridge the research gap that exists in this context. This mixed-method study, based on responses received from 289 participants and 1154 online negative reviews from e-Health providers in India, examines the barriers from the IRT stance. Results of this study reveal a notable negative association between tradition, value and financial barrier and intention to continue using e-health services. Additionally, continuance intention affects recommendation. The study concludes with various implications and scope for future research.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.369-377
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• 2021

Augmented reality smart-glass enables healthcare providers to use patient and their care related information without interference of workflow. In addition, augmented reality smart-glass simulation had advantages in improving competency via remote collaboration and real-time information sharing. This study investigated perception and attitude regarding augmented reality smart glass based healthcare simulation on three different groups of healthcare major students, computer major students, developers and faculties. Using convenience sampling method, data were obtained from 95 participants and statistical analysis were performed using SPSS 25.0. Developer and faculty group showed the highest scores, followed by healthcare major students. There was the high expectation on augmented reality smart-glass for skill acquisition and the high performance and big screen were essential features of device. The findings of this study revealed that differences between healthcare and computer major students exist and strategies to reduce those gaps are required to adopt augmented reality smart glass in healthcare settings.