• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.165-174
• /
• 2017

Purpose: This study was done to develop and to evaluate an integrative palliative care scale for cancer patients. Methods: The process included construction of a conceptual framework, generation of initial items, verification of content validity, selection of secondary items, preliminary study, and extraction of final items. The participants were 173 cancer patients in Daegu and Gyeongbuk. Item analysis, factor analysis, criterion related validity, and internal consistency were used to analyze the data. Results: Eighteen items were selected for the final scale, and categorized into 3 factors explaining 58.3% of total variance. The factors were labeled as social/environmental palliative care (9 items), psychological palliative care (4 items), and physical palliative care (3 items), and spiritually palliative care (2 items). The scores for the scale were significantly correlated with the quality of life of cancer patients. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the 18 items was .88. Conclusion: The above findings indicate that the integrative palliative care scale has good validity and reliability when used for cancer patients.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.33-48
• /
• 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of Korean-Western medicine integrative care for patients on hospitalized with gynecologic and breast cancer. Methods: The records were searched for integrative medical treatment the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in a Korean medical hospital between January 1st, 2021 and April 30, 2024, based on the Electronic Medical Record system (EMR). The records were reviewed and analyzed based on the patient's characteristics, the chief symptom, Korean medical treatment which patients received, and follow-up observation Results: 61 cases were screened, the patient's age is the highest in their 50s with 16 cases (26.23%). The average hospitalization period for patients with integrative care is 7.64 days. Among the patients with integrative care, 60 patients (98.36%) underwent surgery. Gastro-intestinal symptoms (nausea/vomiting, constipation /diarrhea etc.) showed the largest proportion in total symptoms (40.72%). After Korean-medicine integrative treatment, 62.30% of patients improved their symptoms, and 19.67% of cases were not improved because follow-up was not performed. Acupuncture is the most frequently performed Korean-medicine treatment (90.16%), followed by moxibustion (55.74%) and herbal medicine (37.70%). Among the herbal medicines, Gamisipjeon-tang and Geonchil-dan were the two most used herbal medicines. Conclusions: Included cases showed that treatments used in Korean medicine hospitals for integrative care with gynecologic and breast cancer are safe and effective based on several evidence. In the future, further high-quality large-scale study is needed to prove effectiveness of Korean-Western integrative care for patients with gynecologic and breast cancer.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.29 no.2
• /
• pp.77-85
• /
• 2021

Breast cancer is the most prevalent oncological disease among women. Various psychosocial distress is common at the diagnosis, treatment, and posttreatment phase of breast cancer. For the treatment of breast cancer, not only medical treatment but also psychosomatic integrative care will be needed. Patients with breast cancer may lead to increased vulnerability to stress, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, and depressive disorder, and these psychiatric diseases and conditions are associated with recurrence or exacerbation of breast cancer. Psychosocial treatment of anxiety and depression could increase the quality of life of patients and decrease the recurrence and progression of breast cancer. In this article, we reviewed 5 clinical breast cancer survivorship guidelines focused on psychosomatic integrative care including psychosocial treatment and alternative treatment for psychosocial distress. Because 5 treatment guidelines were using various definitions of evidence, we confirmed evidence of various psychosocial treatments for patients with breast cancer based on the definition of evidence by the US Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) guideline. We also reviewed the effect size of psychosocial treatment for anxiety, depression, mood, and quality of life in patients with breast cancer. This article discusses the barrier to the delivery of psychosomatic integrative care and suggests integrative care planning for breast cancer. Multi-disciplinary teams, patient's needs assessment, information technology support, patient and caregiver engagement, planned periodic monitoring of psychosocial distress by a psychosomatic specialist or consultation-liaison psychiatrist are recommended as key features of a psychosomatic integrated care plan.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.16-26
• /
• 2022

Objectives: Traditional Korean medicine (TKM) has been supplied as part of a national health care system in South Korea under a dual medical system, however it has been difficult to mix western medicine and TKM medical practices in existing hospitals. For the objective of innovative integration between them, Comprehensive and Integrative Medicine Hospital were founded in Daegu, South Korea. Here, we discussed the clinical outcomes of cancer patients who received integrative cancer treatment (ICT). Methods: A total of 678 patients previously diagnosed with cancer were retrospectively checked in our institution for 2 years. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 573 patients were eligible for the final analysis. The overall survival (OS) of these patients in the aftercare period were determined. We looked at how clinical factors and treatments including chemotherapy, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), and TKM affected the OS. Results: At the first visit, 212 subjects had no evidence of disease after tumor resection and 355 ones with advanced cancer, who receiving ICT including chemotherapy, CAM, and TKM showed better OS compared to the CAM including TKM or the best supportive care (median OS = 216, 78, and 46 days, respectively). The median OS was not reached in TKM only, even though the sample size was small (N=12). Even after adjusting for clinical factors associated to liver, renal, and hematologic manifestation, ICT still remained significant. Conclusions: We demonstrated that ICT might be beneficial for advanced cancer regardless of the performance status, liver and renal function, since it positively affected the OS.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.163-178
• /
• 2024

Purpose : This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrative medical service model applied to breast cancer patients and their caregivers, exploring its feasibility and challenges within the context of South Korean healthcare system. Methods : A case study approach was chosen to assess the integrative medical service model's efficacy, involving one breast cancer patient and her primary caregiver from W University Hospital. The patient had completed reconstructive surgery and chemotherapy and was undergoing radiotherapy. The model included standard treatments alongside psychological counseling, aromatherapy, axillary rehabilitation exercise, make-up program, art therapy, laughter therapy, horticultural therapy, and yoga programs, and meditation programs delivered over eight weeks. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through surveys, psychological tests, and feedback assessments. Results : The integrative medical service model demonstrated notable improvements in the quality of life for both breast cancer patients and their caregivers. Participants reported enhanced emotional well-being, reduced stress levels, and improved coping mechanisms throughout the treatment journey. Qualitative feedback highlighted the positive impact of holistic interventions in alleviating psychological distress and fostering resilience. Quantitative data corroborated these findings, showing statistically significant improvements in various psychosocial parameters assessed. Conclusions : Our findings underscore the benefits of integrative medical service model with standard medical treatments in the care of breast cancer patients and their caregivers. The holistic approach not only addresses physical symptoms but also enhances overall well-being and quality of life. However, the implementation of such models faces challenges within the South Korean healthcare system, including fragmented service networks and financial constraints. Addressing these structural barriers is crucial for the widespread adoption and sustainability of integrative care models in oncology practice. Future research should focus on larger-scale studies to further validate these findings and inform policy decisions aimed at optimizing cancer care delivery.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.1-17
• /
• 2010

Clinical research on acupuncture in cancer care is a new and challenging field in oncology. The results of clinical research will continue to provide clinically relevant answers for patients and oncologists. The evidence currently available has suggested that acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy to manage cancer and treatment related symptoms, while giving patients the ability to actively participate in their own care plan. The article explains the potential benefits of acupuncture and describes the difficulties in studying its effectiveness.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.1-16
• /
• 2012

Background : Integrative cancer treatment is a holistic approach embracing body, mind, and spirit incorporating conventional treatments of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and personalized complementary treatments. Wheel Balance Therapy (WBT) of East-West Cancer Center(EWCC), Dunsan Oriental Hospital of Daejeon University was developed to balance out all factors involved in cancer care based on the traditional theories of oriental medicine. Objective : This work aims to analytically review literatures on WBT and its related components. Methods : Literatures published from January 1st, 1990 to April 30th, 2011 were reviewed focusing on 4 main components of WBT; herbal medicine, immune activation, anti-cancer diet, and breathing/meditation. Data were retrieved from medical search engines and electronic data bases including Pubmed, Research Information sharing Service (RISS), Korean-studies Information Service System (KISS), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Korea's National Digital Library (KNDL). Results : In this review, EWCC's most commonly prescribed formulas are explored. The composition of the formulas, their use in clinical settings as well as the background studies and other therapeutic efficacies are explained. Information on incorporating anti-cancer dietary support and breathing and meditation techniques, other therapies practiced as part of the center's integrative cancer care are also covered. Conclusion : WBT based on holistic theories of oriental medicine embracing body, mind, and spirit is expected to further contribute in promotion of cancer patients' quality of life and prolonged survival time.

• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
• /
• v.27 no.1
• /
• pp.57-66
• /
• 2022

Objective: To report the improvements with Korean medicine-based integrative cancer therapies on adverse effects of adjuvant chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer patients. Method: There were two patients complained cough, rhinorrhea, numbness, general weakness, nausea and dyspepsia after chemotherapy. They got treated centered on Korean medicine including herbal medicine, acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, hand and foot bath. They were also treated Western immunotherapies like Thymosin at regular intervals. The symptoms were measured by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 15 for Palliative Care(EORTC QLQ C-15 PAL) and their subjective assessments. Results: Their chief complaints were relieved and their quality of life scores was improved even though they have been receiving chemotherapy continuously. Conclusion: These cases revealed a possibility that Korean medicine-based integrative cancer therapies could improve some symptoms after chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.11-23
• /
• 2022

Objectives : The aim of this study was to develop a clinical pathway (CP) model for the integrative treatment of non-invasive breast cancer, with western medicine and Korean traditional medicine. Methods : The checklist model was composed in four types according to the target patients: DCIS inpatients, DCIS outpatients, LCIS inpatients, LCIS outpatients. The vertical axis of the pathway consists of 11 categories of actions applied to the patient. The horizontal axis was in accordance with the flow of time, comprising three periods during inpatient care and seven periods during outpatient care. In addition, CP was also composed in flow chart form. The pathway model was developed through a literature review of clinical practice guidelines, conference publications, papers, books, and websites. Results : The integrative CP model for non-invasive breast cancer was developed. Conclusions : The goal of the CP suggested in this study was to improve non-invasive breast cancer patients' quality of life and to supplement conventional treatment, by alleviating the side effects. The model developed through this study could serve as the basis when developing CPs in a real-world integrative medical environment. This could lead to a reduction in cost and time for CP development, thus bringing about efficiency in the clinical setting.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.48 no.9
• /
• pp.915-919
• /
• 2005

The increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine(CAM) in Korea as well as in U.S.A. and Europe seems to lead to a growing integration of CAM with conventional medicine. By using conventional mainstream medicine with CAM(integrative medicine) proved in efficacy and safety, integrative medicine seeks to treat the whole person, to assist the innate healing properties of each person and to promote health and wellness as well as the prevention of diseases. Also in pediatric diseases, especially for cancer patients, integrative medicine serves as an interdisciplinary, comprehensive, and children-centered care which results in more effective care by synergistically combining therapies. But the research to prove the efficacy and safety of CAM and the education for CAM in the medical school should proceed before applying them to patients.