• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.145-161
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• 1998

This correlational study sought to find the relationship among women's health status and the level of importance & performance of postpartal care. One hundred thirty three women who live in Seoul and rural area including hospitalized in a general hospital and midwifery clinic were studied from 1st April, 1998 to 25th April, 1998 for 25 days. Data analysis consisted of frequency, percentage, Pearson Correlation Coefficiency, t-test, ANOVA and Sheffe test as a post hoc, using SPSS. The results of analysis were as follows ; mean age of respondents was 31.9 years and mean number of children was 1.8. The most of family type was nuclear family and lived int apartment. Mean frequency of pregnancy was 2.7 times and most women delivered at local clinic, general or University hospital. Mean period of after delivery was 53.7 month. The level of importance and performance of traditional postpartal care (Sanhujori) was more higher than hospital postpartal care. The level of importance, performance of postpartum care and health status had significant relationship. The higher level of importance was, & the higher level of performance was higher, and the higher degree of health status. The factors related to health status were postabortal sahujori period after abortion, nuclear family, the evaluation of sahujori, whether women and followed the caregiver's advice well or not and whether they have physical symptoms or not, at the level of $5{\sim}0.1%$ of significance statistically. The factors related to the level of importance of postpartal care were the number of child, present health status and health status of pre-post of delivery, deliver place and the opinion of effective postpartum care method at the level of $5{\sim}0.1%$ of significance statistically. The factors related to the level of performance of postpartal care were delivery place, the opinion of whether they can do at the hospital or not and whether they have physical symptom or not at the level of $1{\sim}0.1%$ of significance statistically. In conclusion, this finding reconfirmed the relationship among women's health status and the postpartal care. It provides a challenge to the health professional caregivers to research continually and repeatedly and confirm the conceptual model of Sanhujori, reestablish effective and integrative postpartal caring system which contains oriental and western paradigm for women's life long health toward the 21C.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.166-173
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• 2019

Purpose: High-quality hospice and palliative medicine curricula are necessary in Korean medical schools. This study evaluated changes in students' knowledge and attitudes toward both hospice and palliative care following the completion of a course on these topics, as well as the course's overall role in the basic medical education curriculum. Methods: Questionnaires measuring knowledge and attitudes were collected before and after the course from 76 fourth-year medical students, who had received instructions integrating both hospice and palliative care in 2016. Results: The questionnaire item "Select the correct answer on the use of opioid pain control in hospice and palliative care" changed the most in terms of number of correct answers pre- and post-course (3.50 and 5.32, respectively; P<0.001). Pre- and post-course, the numbers of students who answered "Strongly Agree" and "Agree" to questions concerning their attitudes toward hospice and palliative care ("I know the purposes and roles of hospice and palliative care") were 17 (22.4%) and 65 (85.6%), respectively (P≤0.001). Affirmative responses also increased for "As a pre-physician, I know when to describe and advise hospice and palliative care to patients", from 22 (28.9%) to 65 (85.6%; P≤0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that comprehensive hospice education in the form of an integrated educational course might promote changes in medical students' knowledge and attitudes toward hospice and palliative medicine.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.3
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• pp.263-273
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• 2023

While the survival rate of preterm infants has increased dramatically over the last few decades, intraventricular hemorrhage and subsequent hydrocephalus remain major unsolved problems in neonatal intensive care. Once intraventricular hemorrhage occurs, severe neurological sequelae are inevitable. Treatment of this complicated pathology and achievement of favorable neurofunctional outcomes in fragile infants are crucial challenges for pediatric neurosurgeons. Fibrinolytic therapy, which chemically dissolves hematoma, is a promising and useful treatment method. In this paper, the historical background of fibrinolytic therapy for post-intraventricular hemorrhagic hydrocephalus in preterm infants is reviewed and a recent method of fibrinolytic therapy using urokinase is introduced.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.11
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• pp.1273-1278
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• 2009

Purpose:Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), a common musculoskeletal disorder in infants, is characterized by the rotation and flexion deformity of the neck caused by sternocleidomastoid muscle shortening. We investigated the clinical courses and perinatal risk factors of CMT. Methods:Less than 6-month-old patients (98; M:F = 60:38) diagnosed with CMT between February 2007 and August 2008 were classified into 2 clinical subgroups, namely, SMT (sternocleidomastoid tumor) and POST (postural torticollis). All the patients were physically and neurologically examined prospectively and their cervical X-rays and ultrasonographies were obtained. Their medical histories about perinatal problems were recorded. Of the 98 patients, 45 with normal range of motion were taught passive physical exercises and 43 were referred to the Department of Rehabilitation for undergoing manual stretching therapy. Results:The mean age at initial assessment was 2.2 months (SMT: $1.4{\pm}1.0$, POST: $2.7{\pm}1.6$). SMT presented earlier than POST. All ophthalmologic examinations and cervical X-rays were normal. SMT was associated with higher incidence of caput succedaneum and cephalhematoma. POST was highly associated with plagiocephaly. Mean duration of rehabilitative physical therapy was 3.7 months (SMT: $4.6{\pm}2.5$, POST: $2.6{\pm}1.9$). POST resolved earlier than SMT. Of the 88 patients with follow-up, 87 had total resolution and only 1 had residual torticollis. Conclusion:All the patients received early treatment with passive stretching exercises. CMT was associated with perinatal problems and had various risk factors such as obstetrical problems.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing Administration
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.381-388
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to compare recipients' health behavior, attitude to using medicaid, medication compliance, and the changes in hospital cost and visit-day of in-patient and out-patient care between tele-care regions (TCR) and general care regions (GCR) in Korean medicaid. Method: The design of the study was ex-post facto comparing recipients in TCR and GCR. The sample included 625 persons in TCR and 410 persons in GCR. To collect materials, the case manager interviewed recipients of medicaid and filled out questionnaires which were analyzed through SAS/PC 9.1. Results: In studying health behavior and medication, compliance was not significant. However, the attitude to using medicaid was significantly more positive in TCR than in GCR. In out-patients, the change of hospital visit-day was not significant between TCR and GCR, but TCR showed a reduction in hospital cost compared to GCR. For in-patient recipients, GCR showed a greater reduction in changes in hospital cost and visit-day compared to TCR. Conclusions: The results of the study show that attitudes to using medicaid via telephone are positive and results are more effective than hospital visit consultation, and the cost of out-patient care could be reduced.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.81-93
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• 2020

Purpose: We developed and tested the effects of a care program for dementia patients among community- dwelling older adult men. Methods: This study used a non-equivalent control group pre-and post-test design. To verify the effectiveness of the care program for dementia patients, 26 community dwelling older adult men participated in this study. We used multiple intervention strategies including improving understanding of dementia through education, activities for dementia prevention, and promoting psychological change. In particular, based on the current understanding of the care of the men older adults, we used strategies to promote motivation and reinforce strengths. Results: After completing the 6-week intervention program, when compared with the control group, older adult men in the care program intervention group showed significant differences in scores for the following: cognitive functions (p=.035), attitude toward dementia (p=.026), preventive behavior (p=.007), geriatric depression (p=.013), caring confidence (p=.018), and self-esteem (p=.013). Conclusion: These results indicate that the care program for dementia patients has positive effects on increasing their cognitive function, attitude toward dementia, preventive behavior, caring confidence, self-efficacy, and on decreasing depression rates in this population. Based on this, we can recommend this program to men caregivers for the improved care of dementia in community centers.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.98-104
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers and the enhancing factors and predictors to postpartum care performance. Methods: The Research design in this study was a cross-sectional correlational survey. Subjects were 145 women at 6 to 10 weeks post delivery at an OB & GY clinic. Data was gathered with postpartum care performance, and other related variables including emotional status during pregnancy, fatigue, health recovery status, maternal role and identity. Data was analyzed using the SPSS WIN(version 11.0) program. Results: The mean score of postpartum care performance was 3.08 of 5, it had significant differences in emotional status during pregnancy, coincidence of expected sex, health recovery status, postpartum fatigue and postpartum depression. The maternal role and health recovery status were enhancing factors of postpartum care performance. Also, the barrier factors were fatigue, depression and coincidence of expected sex. Among these factors, the present health recovery status had an predictability of 11.7%, postpartum fatigue 3.2%, and coincidence of expected sex 2.5%, for a total predictability factor of 17.4% on postpartum care performance. Conclusion: Among these related factors to postpartum care performance, present health recovery status was the most predictable factor and then postpartum fatigue, and coincidence of expected sex. We need to establish a strategy to reduce postpartum fatigue and implement nursing interventions for health related consequences in postpartum women.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.46 no.2
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• pp.159-167
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• 2016

Purpose: This article provides an overview of current knowledge on the impact of caregiving on the psychological and physical health of family caregivers of intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and suggestions for future research. Methods: Review of selected papers published in English between January 2000 and October 2015 reporting psychological and physical health outcomes in family caregivers of ICU survivors. Results: In family caregivers of ICU survivors followed up to five years after patients' discharge from an ICU, psychological symptoms, manifested as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, were highly prevalent. Poor self-care, sleep disturbances and fatigue were identified as common physical health problems in family caregivers. Studies to date are mainly descriptive; few interventions have targeted family caregivers. Further, studies that elicit unique needs of families from diverse cultures are lacking. Conclusion: Studies to date have described the impact of caregiving on the psychological and physical health in family caregivers of ICU survivors. Few studies have tested interventions to support unique needs in this population. Therefore, evidence for best strategies is lacking. Future research is needed to identify ICU caregivers at greatest risk for distress, time points to target interventions with maximal efficacy, needs of those from diverse cultures and test interventions to mitigate family caregivers' burden.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.154-164
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a death preparation education program for nurses working in convalescent hospitals on death anxiety, death attitudes, and attitudes toward end-of-life care. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group, pre-test and post-test design. Among 53 participants, 26 were assigned to the non-equivalent experimental group and 27 to the control group. The program was performed in the formats of lectures, video-watching, group discussions, and sharing, and consisted of 10 sessions held twice a week, for 5 weeks (90 minutes per session). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the t-test, and the chisquare test in SPSS version 21.0. Results: Significant differences between the experimental and control groups were observed in death anxiety (t=7.62, P<0.001), death attitudes (t=-7.58, P<0.001), and attitudes to end-of-life care (t=-10.30, P<0.001). Conclusion: It was confirmed that the death preparation education program reduced death anxiety and had a positive effect on death attitudes and attitudes toward end-of-life care. Based on the results of this study, it is expected that specialized and systematic education that can increase the implementation and stability of death preparation education in various fields, including nursing, will have a positive effect on both hospice patients and members of society more broadly.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.120-131
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of implementing a clinical pathways (CPs) on the clinical outcomes and costs of patients undergoing breast cancer surgery. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included patients who were newly diagnosed with primary breast cancer at the Samsung Medical Center between 2014 and 2019 (N=8482; 2931 patients in the pre-path and 5551 patients in the post-path). Clinical outcomes included reoperation during hospitalization, readmission, and emergency room visits within 30 days of discharge. The cost data for each unit were obtained from an activity-based management accounting system. We performed an interrupted time series analysis. Results: The post-path period showed a significantly shorter hospital length of stay (LOS) than the pre-path period (6.3 days in pre-path vs. 5.0 days in post-path; -1.3 days' difference; p=.001), and fewer reoperations during hospitalization and within 30 days after discharge than the pre-path period. After adjusting for inflation rates and relative value scores, the model demonstrated savings of $146 per patient in the post-path for total costs, and $537 per patient for patient out-of-pocket costs (p=.001). Conclusion: CPs can help reduce costs without compromising the quality of care by reducing the number of reoperations, readmissions, and complications.