• Health Policy and Management
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.221-237
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• 1992

The reasons for cost inflation in medical insurance expenditure are classified into demand pull inflation and cost push inflation. The former includes increase in the number of beneficiaries and utilization rate, while the latter includes increase in medical insurance fee and the charges per case. This study was conducted to analyze sources of increases of expenditure in medical insurance demonstration area by the period of 1982-1987 which was earlier than national health insurance and the period of national health insurance(1988-1990). The major findings were as follows: Medical expenditure in these areas increased by 9.4%(15.1%) annually between 1982 and 1990 on the basis of costant price(current price) and for this period, the yearly average increasing rate of expenses for outpatient care[10.5%(15.8%)] was higher than that of inpatient care [7.3%(12.6%)]. Medical expenditure increased by 6.3%(8.9%) annually between 1982 and 1987, the period of medical insurance demonstration, while it increased by 10.7%(18.9%) after implementing national health insurance(1988-1990). Medical expenditure increased by 35.9%(45.9%) between 1982 and 1987. Of this increase, 115.2%(92.1%) was attributable to the increase in the frequencies of utilization per beneficiary and 61.0%(68.1%) was due to the increase in the charges per case, but the expenditure decreased by 76.2%(60.2%) due to the reduction in the number of beneficiaries. Beteen 1988 and 1990, the period of national health insurance, medical expenditure increased by 21.2%(41.4%). Of this increase, 87.5%(46.4%) was attributable to the increase in the frequencies of utilization per beneficiary and 52.4%(73.4%) was due to the increase in the charges per case, and of the increase in the charges per case, 69.6%(40.8%) was attributable to the increase in the days of visit per case. Medical expenses per person in these areas increased by 78.2%(89.0%) between 1982 and 1987. Of this increase, 76.6%(69.1%) was attributable to the increase in the frequencies of utilization per beneficiary and 23.4%(30.9%) was due to the increase in the charges per case. For this period, demand-pull factor was the major cause of the increase in medical expenses and the expenses per treatment day was the major attributable factor in cost-push inflation. Betwee 1988 and 1990, medical expenditure per person increased by 31.2%(53.1%). Of this increase, 60.8%(37.2%) was attributable to the demand-pull factor and 39.2%(62.8%) was due to the increase in the charges per case which was one of cost-push factors. In current price, the attributalbe rate of the charges per case which was one of cost-push factors was higher than that of utilization rate in the period of national health insurance as compared to the period of medical insurance demonstration. In consideration of above findings, demand-pull factor led the increase in medical expenditure between 1982 and 1987, the period of medical insurance medel trial, but after implementing national health insurance, the attributable rate of cost-push factor was increasing gradually. Thus we may conclude that for medical cost containment, it is requested to examine the new reimbursement method to control cost-push factor and service-intensity factor.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.55-68
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the main keywords, network properties, and main topics of news articles related to artificial intelligence technology in the field of nursing. Methods: After collecting artificial intelligence-and nursing-related news articles published between January 1, 1991, and July 24, 2022, keywords were extracted via preprocessing. A total of 3,267 articles were searched, and 2,996 were used for the final analysis. Text network analysis and topic modeling were performed using NetMiner 4.4. Results: As a result of analyzing the frequency of appearance, the keywords used most frequently were education, medical robot, telecom, dementia, and the older adults living alone. Keyword network analysis revealed the following results: a density of 0.002, an average degree of 8.79, and an average distance of 2.43; the central keywords identified were 'education,' 'medical robot,' and 'fourth industry.' Five topics were derived from news articles related to artificial intelligence and nursing: 'Artificial intelligence nursing research and development in the health and medical field,' 'Education using artificial intelligence for children and youth care,' 'Nursing robot for older adults care,' 'Community care policy and artificial intelligence,' and 'Smart care technology in an aging society.' Conclusion: The use of artificial intelligence may be helpful among the local community, older adult, children, and adolescents. In particular, health management using artificial intelligence is indispensable now that we are facing a super-aging society. In the future, studies on nursing intervention and development of nursing programs using artificial intelligence should be conducted.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.78-86
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• 2024

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the specialty hospital system by comparing the medical use of inpatients who had artificial joint replacement surgery in specialty hospitals and non-specialty hospitals. Methods: This study utilized 2021-2022 healthcare benefit claims data provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The dependent variable is inpatient medical use which is measured in terms of charges per case and length of stay. The independent variable was whether the hospital was designated as a specialty hospital, and the control variables were patient-level variables (age, gender, insurer type, surgery type, and Charlson comorbidity index) and medical institution-level variables (establishment type, classification, location, number of orthopedic surgeons, and number of nurses). Results: The results of the multiple regression analysis between charges per case and whether a hospital is designated as a specialty hospital showed a statistically significant negative relationship between charges per case and whether a hospital is designated as a specialty hospital. This suggests a significant low in charges per case when a hospital is designated as a specialty hospital compared to a non-specialty hospital, indicating that there is a difference in medical use outcomes between specialty hospitals and non-specialty hospitals inpatients. Conclusion: The practical implications of this study are as follows. First, the criteria for designating specialty hospitals should be alleviated. In our study, the results show that specialty hospitals have significantly lower per-case costs than non-specialty hospitals. Despite the cost-effectiveness of specialty hospitals, the high barriers to be designated for specialty hospitals have gathered the specialty hospitals in metropolitan and major cities. To address the regional imbalance of specialty hospitals, it is believed that ease the criteria for designating specialty hospitals in non-metropolitan areas, such as introducing "semi-specialty hospitals (tentative name)," will lead to a reduction in health disparities between regions and reduce medical costs. Second, it is necessary to determine the appropriateness of the size of hospitals' medical staff. The study found that the number of orthopedic surgeons and nurses varied in charges per case. Therefore, it is believed that appropriately allocating hospital medical staff can maximize the cost-effectiveness of medical services and ultimately reduce medical costs.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.253-259
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• 2013

Purpose: Radiographs is an integral part of patient management in dentistry, despite their detrimental effects. As the literature pertaining to radiation protection among Indian dental practitioners is sparse, exploring such protection is needed. Materials and Methods: All private dental practitioners in Mangalore, India were included in the study. A structured, pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was employed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices, previous training, perceptions towards the need to spread awareness, and willingness to gain and implement knowledge about radiation hazards and protection. Information regarding each respondent's age, gender, education, and type and duration of practice was collected. Results: Overall, 87 out of 120 practitioners participated in the study. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were $9.54{\pm}2.54$, $59.39{\pm}7.01$, and $5.80{\pm}3.19$, respectively. Overall, 25.3% of the respondents had undergone training in radiation protection, 98.9% perceived a need to spread awareness, and 94.3% were willing to improve their knowledge. Previous training showed a significant correlation with age, sex, and duration of practice; attitude was significantly correlated with education and type of practice; and knowledge scores showed a significant correlation with type of practice. Conclusion: Although the knowledge and practices of respondents were poor, they had a positive attitude and were willing to improve their knowledge. Age, sex, and duration of practice were associated with previous training; education and type of practice with attitude scores; and type of practice with knowledge scores. The findings of this study suggest a policy is needed to ensure the adherence of dental practitioners to radiation protection guidelines.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.25-38
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• 2019

Purpose: This study evaluated differences in bone healing and remodeling among 3 implants with different surfaces: sandblasting and large-grit acid etching (SLA; IS-III $Active^{(R)}$), SLA with hydroxyapatite nanocoating (IS-III $Bioactive^{(R)}$), and SLA stored in sodium chloride solution ($SLActive^{(R)}$). Methods: The mandibular second, third, and fourth premolars of 9 dogs were extracted. After 4 weeks, 9 dogs with edentulous alveolar ridges underwent surgical placement of 3 implants bilaterally and were allowed to heal for 2, 4, or 12 weeks. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed on 54 stained slides based on the following parameters: vertical marginal bone loss at the buccal and lingual aspects of the implant (b-MBL and l-MBL, respectively), mineralized bone-to-implant contact (mBIC), osteoid-to-implant contact (OIC), total bone-to-implant contact (tBIC), mineralized bone area fraction occupied (mBAFO), osteoid area fraction occupied (OAFO), and total bone area fraction occupied (tBAFO) in the threads of the region of interest. Two-way analysis of variance (3 types of implant $surface{\times}3$ healing time periods) and additional analyses for simple effects were performed. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed across the implant surfaces for OIC, mBIC, tBIC, OAFO, and tBAFO. Statistically significant differences were observed over time for l-MBL, mBIC, tBIC, mBAFO, and tBAFO. In addition, an interaction effect between the implant surface and the healing time period was observed for mBIC, tBIC, and mBAFO. Conclusions: Our results suggest that implant surface wettability facilitates bone healing dynamics, which could be attributed to the improvement of early osseointegration. In addition, osteoblasts might become more activated with the use of HA-coated surface implants than with hydrophobic surface implants in the remodeling phase.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.147-154
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• 2019

PURPOSE. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two different implant-abutment connection structures with identical implant design on peri-implant bone level. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This clinical study was a patient-blind randomized controlled trial following the CONSORT 2010 checklists. This trial was conducted in 24 patients recruited between March 2013 and July 2015. Implants with internal friction connection were compared to those with external hex connection. One implant for each patient was installed, replacing the second molar. Implant-supported crowns were delivered at four months after implant insertion. Standardized periapical radiographs were taken at prosthesis delivery (baseline), and one year after delivery. On the radiographs, distance from implant shoulder to first bone-to-implant contact (DIB) and peri-implant area were measured, which were the primary and secondary outcome, respectively. RESULTS. Eleven external and eleven internal implants were analyzed. Mean changes of DIB from baseline to 1-year postloading were 0.59 (0.95) mm for the external and 0.01 (0.68) mm for the internal connection. Although no significant differences were found between the two groups, medium effect size was found in DIB between the connections (Cohen's d = 0.67). CONCLUSION. Considering the effect size in DIB, this study suggested the possibility of the internal friction connection structure for more effective preservation of marginal bone.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.181-199
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• 1998

This study was designed to examine Home Nursing Care in Hospital-based and Community-based programs. This study investigates actual conditions of nursing needs and demands of clients and their family and the state of home nursing services. We hope that this study will improve upon the current home nursing care system. In Korea Home-Nursing Care programs are still developing and only now becoming a part of the health care delivery system. The data was collected by a questionaire the clients developed and modified through literature review by this writer and through 10 nurses who are members of 4 hospital and 3 community- based agencies. In this study 173 clients were selected. The study lasted from Oct. 1997 to March of 1998. The results show that the average age was 64.3, years older than most women clients (63.0%), the average age of a caregiver was 50.9 years old and most were female(77%). Two types of agency clients with a significant difference between social conditions [25.7%] used some form of insurance; 54.3% had the spouse pay expenses; pay 58.5% son and daughters of Hospital-based agencies: patients of social workers were 24.0%, the highest in the community agency. The condition of patients was 63.2% of the foley and nelaton catheter insertion at hospital based agencies. The range of nursing services offered is one of the highest among the 34 kinds of servies including nasogastric tube management basic nursing, ROM exercise, bladder irrigation, wound and sore dressing. For an effective care service factors that disturb each program such as a non-cooperatative family as well as patients themselves need to be lessened. Further more, the following must be emphasized, supportive counsel 27.0%, steady care for patient, 13.3%maintain a sense of security(11.7%), dressing sores and nutrition(10.0%). Although there were a large number of home nursing care services in the community, policy changes have gathered momentum. Fortunately, the scope and level at legal support will be increased in the future. The program should intergrate and link the district or community together. A project to develop a community based home nursing system as soon as possible should be developed. In conclusion, home nursing care nurses training curriculum should be strengthened.

• Child Health Nursing Research
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2013

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to assess the parenting stress in mothers of premature infants and stress related characteristics of mothers and infants. Methods: The methodology was a cross sectional survey study using self-report questionnaires. Participants in this study were 36 mothers of infants with corrected ages of 4 months to 12 months who were born prematurely. Data were analyzed using t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation with the SPSS WIN 19.0 program. Results: The mean score for parenting stress in mothers of premature infants was $74.639{\pm}17.570$, indicating that the mothers actually experienced stress. When mothers were able to have some private time, parenting stress was statistically significantly lower. When the residential status was having one's own house and the local community provided informational support regarding child nurturing, there was a statistically significant decrease in the sub-category of particular infant temperament. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between mothers' depression and parenting stress. Conclusion: These results indicate that there is a need for nursing interventions to increase mothers' private time and to include informational support regarding health management of children including developmental status assessment from local communities.

• 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.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.1045-1054
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• 2000

As cost pressures have escalated, policy makers, politicians, health care providers and families have tried to devise ways to reduce health care costs. While originally developed to enhance patient control and to provide better care at the end of life, hospice care has recently received significant attention as a mean of reducing health care costs. As a program providing care for patients who are dying at their homes, hospice has expanded slowly since the opening of the first hospice in Korea in 1963. Therefore, a variety of services that responds to the needs and concerns of many dying people and their families is limited The purpose of this study was to determine the potential cost savings at the end of life among patients who used home hospice compared with the patients who received institutional care in Korea. This study used a retrospective, descriptive design. The sample for this study included 46 patients who died of lung cancer: 25 patients who received home hospice care and 21 patients who received institutional care. Data on patient characteristics, kinds and frequencies of provided treatment and nursing services, and hospice and hospital charges during the last month before death were collected. Cost of care was measured by the average cost per patient per day in the last month of life. The results of the study indicated that there were significant differences in average cost of care between home hospice sample and institutional care sample (t=9.956, p<.001; home hospice sample: M=18,102 won, institutional care sample: M=317,578 won). The cost of the home hospice sample was approximately 6% of the cost of institutional care. The majority of the home hospice nursing services were education (35.7%) and supportive counseling (25.2%), followed by medication management (13.6%), assessment (12.1%), basic nursing (7.2%), treatment (5.5%) and others. In institutional care sample, basic nursing and treatment were more emphasized than education or supportive counseling among the nursing services provided. The results of this study showed the potential for hospice to reduce costs and implications for policymakers and clinicians to incorporate hospice program into the formal health care delivery system in Korea.