• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.153-172
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• 2009

Background : The safety of Korean herbal Medicine (KHM: prescribed herbal medicine by doctors of traditional Korean medicine) is an important issue in Korea. Although both fields. western medicine and traditional Korean medicine. have been studied on the safety of herbs and KHM, their results were not concordance with each other. Objectives : This study aims to review the influence of KHM on liver function in Korean literature systematically. Additionally, we tried to estimate the change of data of liver function test (LFT) and the incidence of liver injury (LI) after the use of KHM. Methods : Systematic literature searches were performed on 4 major databases of Korea from their inception to May 2008. Screening and selection of the studies and the extraction of data were performed independently by two authors. There were no restrictions on the types of publication including grey literatures. Results : Forty studies were included. Only sixteen studies were performed prospectively and fifteen studies collected data from outpatients. Only 8 studies reported the occurrence of LI after the use of KHM. Nineteen cases of LI showed no or mild symptoms and the elevation of LFT was not high. All of LI patients used conventional western drug and KHM concomitantly. and causality of LI was not assessed properly. The incidence of LI related to the use of KHM was estimated as 0.59%-0.76% from all data of these studies. The conflicting results were shown on the change of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TB) after the use of KHM. Conclusions : KHM might be a minor cause of LI in Korea. However the results are not strongly supported as enough to make the safety issue clear because of the limitations of original studies. More rigorous studies are required for answering the safety issue of KHM with the cooperative investigation of both fields of Korean traditional medicine and western medicine.

• Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.79-92
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• 2023

Objective : This study aimed to assess the reliability of a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis program for measuring the range of motion (ROM) of wrist and finger joints. Methods : The study recruited 50 people who had no restrictions on wrist and finger movements, understood the purpose of this study, and agreed to participate. Using a goniometer and a 3D motion analysis program, a total of 11 wrist and finger ROM were measured once each. To measure the reliability of the 3D motion analysis program, the degree of agreement and inconsistency of the measured values were compared. Results : Analysis of the degree of agreement of the measured values revealed that 38 out of 44 items showed a very high degree of agreement. Regarding analysis of inconsistency in the measured values, inconsistencies were found in three items. Conclusion : The results of this study confirmed that the ROM of the joint could be measured using the 3D motion analysis program applied in this study. In addition, it might be expected that the 3D motion analysis program would be used in various clinical fields owing to the advantages of measurement convenience and accuracy.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.1-21
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• 1997

In order to analyze the shifts in the volume and profits of Computed Tomography(CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) utilization for a year before and after the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, this study has been undertaken examining CT and MRI cost data from 'Y' University Hospital situated in Seoul, Korea. Following are the results of this study: 1. The medical insurance payment for CT, implemented on January 1, 1996, increased CT utilization from January 1996 to April 1996 due to low insurance premiums: however, from May 1996 the number of CT cases significantly decreased as a result of strengthened medical cost reviews and the new 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' announced near the end of April 1996 by the insurer. 2. Since the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, CT fee reduction rates for reimbursements by the insurer to the hospital were 50% and 40% for January and February, respectively, and 31% and 15% for March and April. A significant point in the lowering of the reduction rate was reached in May at 11%; furthermore, since June the reduction rate fell below the average reduction rate for reimbursements for all procedures. If the 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' had been announced before the implementation of insurance coverage for CT, CT utilization would not have been so high due to the need to meet those 'standards'. In addition, loss of hospital profits resulting from the reduction for reimbursements would not have occurred. 3. The shifts in MRI utilization showed that there was no particular change with the beginning of insurance coverage for CT, and the introduction of the 'Detailed standards for approval of CT' made MRI utilization increase because MRI is free of restrictions imposed by the insurer. 4. The relationship between CT utilization and MRI utilization showed that they were supplementary to each other before insurance coverage for CT, but that CT was substituted for MRI because of strengthened medical cost reviews after t~e beginning of insurance coverage for CT. 5. The shifts in volume by patient characteristics showed that the number of inappropriate case patients, according to the insurer's "Standards for approval", decreased more than the number of appropriate case patients after the introduction of insurance coverage for CT. Therefore, the health insurance fee schemes for CT have influenced patient care. 6. The shifts in profits from CT utilization showed a net profit decrease of 31.6%. In order to match the pre-coverage profit level, 5,471 more cases would need to be seen and productivity would need to be increased by 32.7%. This profit decrease resulted from a decrease of CT utilization and low reimbursements. With insurance coverage, net profits from CT were 24.4%, and a margin of safety ratio was 39.6%. Because of the net profits and margin of safety ratio, CT utilization fees for insured appropriate cases could not be considered inappropriate. 7. The shifts in profits from MRI utilization before and after the introduction of CT coverage showed that in order to match pre-CT coverage profit levels, 2,011 more cases would need to be seen and productivity would need to be increased by 9.2%. The reasons for needing to increase the number of cases and productivity result from cost burdens created by adding new MRI units. But with CT coverage already begun, MRI utilization increased. Combined with a minor increase in the MRI fee schedule, MRI utilization showed a net profit increase of 18.5%. Net profits of 62.8% and a 'margin of safety ratio' of 43.1% for MRI utilization showed that the hospital relied on this non-covered procedure for profits. 8. The shifts in profits from CT and MRI utilization showed the net profits from CT decreased by 2.33billion Won while the net profits from MRI increased by 815.7million Won. Overall, these two together showed a net profit decrease of 1.51billion Won. The shifts in utilization showed a functional substitutionary relationship, but the shifts in profits did not show a substitutionary relationship. From these results, We can conclude that if insurance is to be expanded to include previously uncovered procedures using expensive medical equipment, detailed standards should be prepared in advance. The decrease in profits from the shifts in coverage and changes in fees is a difficult burden that should be shared, not carried by the hospital alone. Also, a new or improved fee schedule system should include revised standards between items listed and the appropriateness of the fee schedule should constantly be ensured. This study focused on one university hospital in Seoul and is therefore limited in general applicability. But it is valuable for considering current issues and problems, such as the influence of CT coverage on hospital management. Future studies will hopefully expand the scope of the issues considered here.

• The Korean Society of Law and Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.55-84
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• 2015

The tuberculosis is the infectious disease. Generally, the active tuberculosis patient can infect the 10 persons for one year within the daily activities like casual conversation and singing together. The infectivity of tuberculosis can continue for a life time, and infected persons can remain at risk for developing active tuberculosis. To control this contagious disease, along with the active tuberculosis patients, non-infectious but non-compliant patients who can be infectious if their immune systems become impaired have to be managed. To control the non-complaint patients, medical treatment order should be combined with the public order. Because tuberculosis is the risk of community health, the human rights like liberty and freedom of movement can be restricted for public welfare under the article 37(2) of constitution. Even when such restriction is imposed, no essential aspect of the freedom or right shall be violated. The degree of restriction on the rights of citizens is different what methods are chosen to non-complaint patients. For example, under the directly observed therapy program, the patients and medical staffs make an appointment and meet to confirm the drug intakes according to the schedule, which is the medical treatment combined with the mildest public order. If the patients break the appointments or have the history of disobedient, the involuntary detention can obtain the legitimate cause. The Tuberculosis Prevention Act has the two step programs on this involuntary detention, The admission order (Article 15) is issued when the patients are infectious. The quarantine order (Artle 15-2) is issued when the patients are infectious and non-complaint. The legal criteria for involuntary detention are discussed and published through the international conventions and covenants. For example, World Health Organization had made guidance on human rights and involuntary detention for tuberculosis control. The restrictions should be carried out in accordance with the our law and in the legitimate objective of public interest. And the restriction should be based on scientific evidence and not imposed in an unreasonable or discriminatory manner. We define and adopt these international criteria under our constitution and legal system. Least restrictive alternative principle, proportionality principle and the individual evaluation methods are explained through the reviews of United States court decisions. Habeas Corpus Act is reviewed and adopted as the procedural due process to protect the patient rights as a citizen. Along with that, what conditions and facilities which are needed to performed quarantine order are discussed.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.302-312
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• 2015

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of constitutional diets in comparison with general low calorie diets in obese women. The subjects were 52 adult obese women that participated in a calorie restriction diet program (control group, n=16) or a constitutional diet program (experimental group, n=36) for 8 weeks. The subjects in the experimental group were classified as negative (Yin) or positive (Yang) constitution. The obesity management program focused on the calorie restriction diet (300~400 kcal reduction per day) for the control group, whereas, for a constitutional diet without calorie restrictions was allowed for the experimental group. Daily intakes of nutrient and food were assessed using a 24 hr recall method. Body measurements and blood biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. After the intervention, weight, body fat, BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference decreased significantly in both the control and experimental group. Energy intake increased from 1,679.6 kcal to 1,810.6 kcal along with significant increase in protein, carbohydrate, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin $B_1$, vitamin $B_2$, niacin and vitamin C in the experimental group. Calcium intake increased from 54.0% to 72.4% of DRI in the experimental group. Hemoglobin concentrations were significantly decreased in the control group, but were increased in the experimental group. In addition, blood glucose, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly decreased in the experimental group. In conclusion, consumption of a constitutional diet without calorie restrictions for 8 weeks was effective for weight reduction with improvement of blood glucose, serum cholesterol and triglyceride.

• The Journal of Korean society of community based occupational therapy
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.1-13
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• 2012

Objective : The purpose of this study was to understand the game world experience and peer interaction of students with disabilities in the community. Method : In this study, Giorgi's phenomenological method was used to understand the game world experience and peer interaction of two students with disabilities in the community. The data collection about the situation and the context of the subjects was conducted over three times of interviews, until no new data. Meaning units through the four steps for Giorgi's scientific phenomenology were analyzed in the context of the overall data. Result : Two students with disabilities in the community had to spend time at home with physical limitation and alienation, and their leisure activities was mainly using the computer and television. Restrictions of leisure activities wad the cause of difficulties of social accessibility, and they need the correct thinking and self-control in the use of the time. Due to the game for fun, they have no interact with peers. On the other hand, most of conversation about the game were with families. Conclusion : Students with disabilities had a physical and psychological difficulties were feeling pleasure through the game. They need the correct thinking and self-control in the use of the time, and need an alternative solution for a reckless game use.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.72-79
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• 1976

Contemper nursing literature place much importance on human- centered and individualized care. Nursing research has related stress during hospitalization of adolescent patients to adaptation to a new environment, isolation from friends, limitation due to illness, over protection of parents and communication with member of the medical team. The investigator conducted this study in the hope that an understanding of adolescents responses to hospitalization, their perceptions, the kinds and levels of stress, and the relationships between stressors and individual characteristics would contribute to the improvement of adolescent patient care. The objective of the study was to obtain informations related to the adolescents psychological stress experience during hospitalization, specifically stress from interpersonal relationships and communication, isolation from the family, social or economic problems, illness and from the treatment environment and nursing care. An interview schedule adopted from Holmes and Rahe's Social Readjustment Rating Scale and selected items from Voicer's instrument on stress-producing events was used with 120 adolescent inpatients aged 13 to 18 years three general hospitals in Seoul during Aug. 10, to Sep. 30, 1975. 1. The sample consisted of 66 male and 54 female patients. Sixty-six percent were late adolescents, aged 16 to 18 years: 4% were early adolescents, aged 13 to 15 years. The primary cause for hospitalization was for orthopedic problems (35.8%). More than half of these (54.4%) were due to injury or accident. 2. Stress eclated to illness revealed the highest score (4.97), followed by stress related to treatment environment and nursing care (4.34) , isolation from family and social or economic problems (4.01) and interpersonal relationships and communication (3.96). 3. The perceived indifference of doctors and nurses was a serious cause of stress (mean=4.83). Fellow patients and visitors caused least stress (mean=2.06). 4. Discontinuation of education or unemployment were major stressful events (mean=4.71). Least stressful was isolation from the family (mean=3.47). 5. More than 94% of the respondents expressed fears related to body image (mean=4.97) 6. Within the category of treatment environment and nursing care, items related to restrictions because of treatment, discomfort because of treatment, inadequate explanation from nurses about procedures were rated as severe stress events (mean=4.6). Items related to the ward environment and to having a relative stay with them were seen by the group as less serious events (mean=3.7). 7. Stress related to interpersonal relationships and communication was correlated positively with female patients and those preferring passive activities. (P〈0.05) 8. Stress related to family problems was positively related to female and early adolescent patients (P< 0.05). Stress related to social problems was positively , elated to students and those preferring active pursuits (P< 0.05). 9. There were no correlation between the high stress related to disease and any of the characteristic items. (P> 0.05) 10. Stress related to treatment environment and nursing care was positively related of early adolescent and female and student patients. (P< 0.05) This group of hospitalized adolescents reported high level of stress related to treatment environment and nursing care, due to lack of consideration of normal growth and development and individual characteristics. The findings have important implications for the planning of effective, individualized, comprehensive nursing care of adolescents during hospitalization.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.59-73
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• 2007

The compensation system in industrial accident insurance is systemized with "either receiving all or no benefits at all" according to "admited or denied as an industrial accident". Therefore, they are centered on the decision as "industrial accident" or "non-industrial accident", but judging between the two is very complicated, and has inherent conflicting factors. In the early stage of industrialization, industrial accident compensation was based on the indemnity liability for employer's faults. In order to be compensated any damage, the injured worker should prove that the accident was not due to his or her faults. However it was very difficult for injured worker or his or her family to prove the employer's faults, so it was almost impossible to get compensation. Thereafter industrialization progress and improvement of workers' political status lead to conversion from principle of liability with employer's faults to principle of liability without employer's faults. In addition to that, coverage of industrial accident compensation was also expanded. This improvement strengthened the benefit payment principle of "All or Nothing". Even though the "All or Nothing" principle provokes tremendous criticism, the reason why it's difficult for industrialized countries to adopt partial compensation system, is that partial compensation system worsens the administrative hardship, therefore industrialized countries overcome the restrictions of the "All or Nothing" principle with making balance in provisions for any risk to some extent. However, in Korea because the general compensation system for covering medical cost and income loss from accidents, is not equipped, it could be possible to cause acute conflicts with regard to coverage of industrial accidents. Therefore it is required to improve the industrial accident insurance with the acceptance of the significance and logic of discriminated compensation, and create the integrated compensation system in the long run.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.41-49
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• 2011

This study purposes to conduct visual feedback and body posture control training on stroke patients with pusher syndrome in order to reduce their pusher syndrome. This study also examines changes resulting from the training and applies the guidelines necessary for documentation of patient/customer management. The participant for this study was one patient with pusher syndrome. The study progressed from a medical examination of the subject followed by evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention and treatment plan, and finally re-examination in order of precedence. Problems in the participant's functional activities, difficulties in changes from sitting postures into standing postures, and maintaining standing postures were determined as primary restrictions on activities and the improvement of these activities was set up as a goal through discussions with the patient. Interventions were mainly implemented to reduce the pusher syndrome with visual feedback provided using mirrors and exercises focusing on leaning in order to maintain posture while sitting. Changes from supine postures to sitting postures and the degree of changes in maintaining standing postures were compared between before and after the intervention by measuring times in the same environment and the degree of pusher syndrome was measured using the SCP tool. The process of this clinical practice was documented. The SCP score that indicates the degree of changes in the participant's pusher syndrome changed from 3.75 points to 0.8 point indicating a decrease in pushing. Among functional activities, posture changes from sitting postures to standing postures and maintaining standing postures were improved. In addition, since the patient could maintain standing postures, the patient could walk indoors. In this case study, mirrors and body posture control training used as interventions to relieve pusher syndromes can be easily applied in clinics to examine the form of functional recovery. The results indicated that these intervention methods were effective and thus it is thought that the results can be used as basic data to utilize these intervention methods diversely. In addition, the documentation of patient/client management was applied as actual documentation in Korean and based on the results, we could show decision making processes for patients' functional goals and objectively explain problems, prognoses and changes made through the interventions.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.189-196
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• 2002

Transdermal drug delivery offers an alternative method to the conventional oral and injection delivery method. Its advantages include its ability to deliver drugs directly into systemic circulation. However, there have been restrictions in its application to deliver drugs because of the skin's barrier function. In this study, we try to combine a Sonophoresis and oxygen Pressure method in order to increase the Permeability of the skin. we used water as the compound and by utilizing the skin impedance method. we measured the hydration Permeability of skin Ultrasound was applied using a sonicator(Solcare-U1000. Solco, Korea) operating at a frequency of 1MHz. oxygen Pressure was applied using a compressor(Oxyjet-Pointer, Nora Bode. Germany) operating at a pressure of 2Bar/cm2. Experiment was performed in vivo for 42 People. We divided the subjects into four smaller groups. A different transdermal drug delivery method was applied for each group on the back of their hand. We measured the skin impedance variations on the hand. during a 20-minute time Period. The control group did not show any significant increase or variation of skin impedance to water. In comparison to the control group(Passive diffusion) the hydration Permeability of the ultrasound group and the oxygen Pressure group was approximately 25 and 30 times higher consecutively. Futhermore, the hydration permeability of the combination of ultrasound and oxygen Pressure group was about 70-fold higher in comparison to the control group(passive diffusion) . The results reveal that a combination of ultrasound and oxygen Pressure will significantly enhance transdermal water transport compared when only one of them is used.