• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.183-206
• /
• 2012

Changing social conditions have resulted in a situation where elderly patients are no longer cared for by family and where medical care hospitals play a more prominent role. In this study, the unique elements of the medical service required from a long term care hospital were identified using conventional and exploratory analysis, and the causal relationship between medical service quality, relationship quality, and Revist intent was confirmed. The intermediary role and the quantitative importance of relationship quality (including trust and commitment) were also characterized. This study identifies the key points and indicators that the administrators of a long term care hospital can use to effectively plan their medical service offering in order to secure the commitment of customers through relationship quality. The theoretical indications of this study are set out below. First, four factors are selected as being the key elements determining service quality: medics, administrative service, healthcare environment, and subsidiary facilities. Second, it seems that medics, administration service, and the healthcare environment have some effect on the evaluations made in relation to trust and satisfaction (subsidiary facilities are not considered to be a key element). Third, patient satisfaction has a positive impact on trust and commitment and can be regarded as a key element for establishing connections. Fourth, commitment is likely to be strengthened when trust is significant. Fifth, as trust and commitment increase, revist intent strengthens. Lastly, this study illustrates how the levels of trust and commitment play a modulating role between patient satisfaction and revist intention. There are many practical indications from the findings of this study. First, the influences of medics, the administrative service, and the healthcare environment on trust and satisfaction vary. Especially, the healthcare environment is likely to be more important than medics. Accordingly, it is essential to establish an elderly-friendly environment, to improve a hospital's structure, and to maintain a clean environment. Second, medics must show compassion to their patients and be patient when providing explanations to elderly patients who often lack powers of concentration. Third, in order to establish patient trust, it is essential that medics provide an excellent medical service. Ultimately, these elements of relationship quality may strengthen the revist intention of elderly patients.

• Speech Sciences
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.145-156
• /
• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the reason why puberphonia patients revisit hospitals after completion of its treatment and the effect of visual voice therapy on voice improvement. The subject the study included are two puberphonia patients who had been diagnosed by laryngologists. The patients who were diagnosed as puberphonia by the laryngologist and treated by the a speech pathologist, completed their treatment and revisited hospital. The study used laryngoscopy, acoustic and aerodynamic analysis before and after voice treatment to investigate what change happens and why generalization of treatment effect did not occur naturally in the daily life. Their voices of pre-therapy and post-therapy were analyzed on the aspects of acoustics, aerodynamics and laryngeal endoscopy. As a result, it was found that fundamental frequency(Fo) was significantly lowered in respect of acoustic change and maximum phonation time(MPT) was increased to some extent in respect of aerodynamic change. In addition, there was a laryngoscopic change and commissure glottic chink disappeared generally in the phonation. The reason why the generalization did not occur naturally in one’s daily routine was mainly due to the fact that high-pitched voicing was used for a long time. Other than that reason, negative reaction or attitude of surrounding people and lack of confidence were to blame for failure of generalization.

• The Journal of Pediatrics of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.35-50
• /
• 2007

Objectives The purpose of this study was to revitalize pediatric emergency care in oriental medical hospital. Methods The study was composed of 281 pediatric patients who visited emergency room of the ${\bigcirc}{\bigcirc}$ university oriental hospital, from March 2006 to February 2007. Results The age distribution showed that 1 to 3 year's patients(40.6%) are the most New pediatric patients(59.1%) were more than who received medical treatment in this place. The seasonal distribution of between month's section and the 24 solar terms's section made no differences and pediatric patients who visited in emergency room was most in spring, least in autumn. Moreover the changes of season's patients were more than others. Pediatric patients who visited during the weekends and holidays(50.9%) were more than during the weekdays(49.1%). Systemic division of the major problems were the digestive symptoms(44.5%) and nervous symptoms(30.6%), respiratory symptoms(12.5%), musculoskeletal symptoms(5.3%), dermatological symptoms(1.8%), cardiovascular symptoms(0.7%) and others(4.6%) followed. The time interval between arrival and onset : within 6 hours were the most(54.5%). Pediatric patients who had digestive, nervous, musculoskeletal diseases within 6 hours were the most, but in the case of patients who had respiratory diseases, most of them were visited within 48 hours. Acting and herb-med treatment(77.9%) were the most in medical treatments. Pediatric patients(69.0%) who didn't revisit in this hospital after treatment in emergency room were more than who revisited(29.9%). Conclusions Pediatric patients who visited in emergency room of oriental medical hospital were most not acute form of a serious diseases, patients most visited in disease prefer to oriental medicine; such as dyspepsia, convulsions, crying, ankle sprain. Further studies will be needed for the actual circumstance's reflecion from this hospital and other oriental hospitals nearby or other western emergency rooms for the accurate studies.

• International Journal of Advanced Culture Technology
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.216-224
• /
• 2019

The number of patients from Middle Eastern Arabic countries is steadily increasing in respect to the South Korean government's medical tourism strategies. Word of mouth is one of the main determinants concerning the Middle Eastern Arab patients' medical tourism destination. Further, patients' satisfaction affects repurchase and revisit intention. This study aimed to measure the level of Middle Eastern Arab patients' satisfaction, and to measure the effect of different medical factors on satisfaction in such patients who are seeking medical attention in South Korea. A 110 Middle Eastern Arab patients who visited South Korea for medical purposes participated in our survey between November, 2016 and April, 2017. All factors had a high mean (${\geq}4.24$; ${\geq}84.8/100$) except for one factor (hospital halal meals (3.82; 76.4)). To identify factors influencing participants' overall satisfaction we used multiple regression analysis. Physicians, interpreters, and halal meals were the main factors influencing overall Middle Eastern Arab patients' satisfaction. Physicians and interpreters in Korea are recommended to be oriented to basic Islamic beliefs and Middle Eastern Arab patients' behavior. Daily communication, such as speaking directly to the patient, limiting important issues to two or three at a time, and translating sentence by sentence, could help to improve Middle Eastern Arab patients' satisfaction. Enlisting Middle Eastern nutrition specialists in medical institutions in South Korea may substantially improve non-medical services satisfaction such as halal food and dietary restrictions.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
• /
• v.9 no.3
• /
• pp.357-368
• /
• 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the state of dental treatment among disabled patients by the type of disability. After the medical records of 531 disabled patients who received treatment at the pediatric dentistry in K university hospital, the following findings were given: 1. As for age distribution by year, the rate of patients aged 10 or down rose to 42.5 from 5.1 percent, and the 16-20 age group increased from 16.7 to 24.8 percent. But the rates of patients aged between 11 and 15 and aged 21 and up were on the rise(p<.05). 2. Concerning the type of disability by year, there was an increase in the number of patients with brain lesions, mental retardation, developmental disorder and Down's syndrome(p<.05). As to the number of dental caries by the type of disability, the patients with heart diseases had the most dental caries that numbered 8.49, followed by Down's syndrome, metal retardation, brain lesions, the other disabilities and developmental disorder. 3. In relation to dental treatment experiences by the type of disability, the patients with developmental disorder(57.5%) received the most dental treatment, followed by mental retardation, the other disabilities, brain lesions, Down's syndrome and heart diseases(p<.05). 4. Regarding general anesthesia experience by the type of disability, the patients with mental retardation(31.6%) were put under general anesthesia the most, followed by developmental disorder, brain lesions, the other disabilities, heart diseases and Down's syndrome(p<.05). In conclusion, nationwide efforts to nurture separate dental personnels responsible for the disabled, to expand relevant facilities and to improve the health care insurance are required to promote the oral health of disabled children.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
• /
• v.3 no.1
• /
• pp.165-191
• /
• 1998

The objectives of this research are 1) to identify different motivation of choice for each National University hospitals 2) to examine the factors influencing the patients' satisfaction, 3) and to investigate that the patients' satisfaction effects the hospital re-choice and recommendation on seven National University's hospitals. The data for this analysis were collected by questionnaire survey. Totally 852 interviews were conducted. The major statistical methods used for the analysis are paired t-test, factor analysis, x2-test, and multiple regression. We find that satisfaction level is a function of not only the quality of medical service but also non-medical service. The main results of research are follows: 1) The most important factor of hospital choices is 'the trust and fame as National University hospitals'; 2) Overall satisfaction of inpatients is turned to be influenced by the doctor's services, nurse's services, environment, and convenience. And overall satisfaction of outpatients is also found to be influenced by the waiting time for lab test; 3) Highly satisfied patients preferred to revisit and to recommend to others.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.2
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2019

Backgrounds : In 2017, National Health Insurance implemented the pilot coverage program for Chuna manual therapy(CMT). 65 Korean Medicine(KM) hospitals and clinics were selected in the program to monitor the effectiveness and patients' satisfaction of insured CMT. Objectives : This study aimed to evaluate patients' satisfaction of CMT in the pilot coverage program of National Health Insurance. Methods : Survey participants were recruited among the patients who used CMT at the designated organizations. On-line questionnaire link was sent to the smart phones of patients who agreed to participate in the survey and provide personal contact information. The questionnaire consisted of the basic charactersitics of respondents, imformation on using CMT satisfaction with CMT and willingness to recommend CMT to others. The answers that were automatically coded and saved were statistically analyzed. Results : Of 386 participants who completed the questionnaire, 92.8% satisfied or strongly satisfied with the CMT. Most frequent reason of satisfaction was 'Good effectiveness', and there was no difference in satisfaction between patients of hospital and those of clinics. Patients with the highest and the lowest level of pain satisfied more than those with other pain levels(p=0.003), but the level of copayment and reasons of CMT use did not affect the satisfaction results(p=0.405). The proportions of respondents who had willingness to recommend CMT to others and to revisit for CMT use were 97.8% and 98.8%, respectively. Conclusions : Most patients were satisfied with CMT in the pilot coverage program, and it can provide the rationale for expanding the insurance coverage of CMT to all KM hospitals and clinics.

• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.323-329
• /
• 2022

Background: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of the referral and return of patients to clinics in the endocrinology and cardiology departments at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital to evaluate the "referral and return of patients to clinics" program and reduce the rate of returning patients. Methods: From May 2018 to December 2020, we identified the number of visits to referral hospitals and hospital usage status at Ilsan Hospital after returning to clinics. We also identified the patients who returned to Ilsan Hospital within 6 months, defined as "failure to transport," among those recommended to be transported to clinics of the Medical Cooperation Center. Additionally, we evaluated the characteristics of the "failure to transport" patients. Results: Among the returning patients, the rate of visiting Ilsan Hospital within 6 months was higher in cardiology than in endocrinology (25.1% vs. 16.7%). Older age, more severe disease, and more number of visits to the department were associated with a high rate of failure to transport. The rate of failure to return was low in cases diagnosed with hyperlipidemia/lipoprotein metabolism disorder. With respect to diabetes, the rate of failure to transport differed according to each type of diagnosis of diabetes. Conclusion: The success rate of the "referral and return of patient to clinics" program differed based on each patient's characteristics, department of visit, and diagnosis. Individualizing according to the visit department and diagnosis is required to ensure successful transfers, and infrastructure expansion and institutional arrangements must be facilitated.

• Journal of Arbitration Studies
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.111-128
• /
• 2016

Trade between nations has been considered as exchange for material things. According to recent changes in the paradigm of global trade, trade is shifting focus on the exchange of an immaterial being. Among them, the service sector is growing fast and the health service has shown exceptional growth as the healthcare market is consistently expanding. It is also part of the global service targeting people all around the world. People visiting other countries for medical service tend to spend more money and stay longer than a traveler. For these reasons, global medical service is in the spotlight as a promising and higher value-added business. The global medical service industry has been developed around Asia, specifically Thailand, Singapore, India, etc. Compared to them, Korea has come late into the market of global healthcare and the Korean government is striving to attract foreign patients. Nevertheless, there is a lack of effort to make foreign patients visiting Korea revisit Korea. Regarding foreign patients' medical disputes, these are not yet a problem officially; however, the government cannot leave the matter as it is. Medical dispute related with foreign patients is a highly complex issue due to different languages, nationalities, cultures, etc. Particularly, Korea's medical tourism is developed with Chinese visiting Korea for plastic surgery and cosmetic procedure. Thus, the Korean medical tourism market can be crowded with a lot of minor medical agencies, so-called brokers, getting foreign patients connected to the medical institutions. Consequently, Korea has received a large number of complaints and dissatisfaction. No one can predict and know what's supposed to happen in the future. Efforts of the Korean government and medical institute attracting foreign patients could be in vain. In order to take a step forward, this paper will do research on present conditions and look for strategies of improving this industry, focusing on the part of medical agency and contributing to the improvement of the Korean medical tourism industry.

• Health Policy and Management
• /
• v.20 no.4
• /
• pp.1-18
• /
• 2010

Much policy attention has been directed to the concentration of patients in large hospitals, especially in tertiary care hospitals. In order to address the problem, the government has enforced referral requirement for accessing care in tertiary care hospitals by denying insurance benefits to the patients who do not observe the requirement. This approach somehow has failed to produce expected effects although it still exists in theory. The concentration of patients in a certain type of providers results in the distortion of functional differentiation among various types of providers and vice versa. Thus the approaches for the alleviation of the problem should be directed to both patients and providers. However, policy approaches has so far focused on ways of directly affecting patients' choice of a provider neglecting the effects of providers. Based upon the observation, this paper has reviewed selected issues that should be considered in agenda setting for policies concerned with the concentration of patients in large hospitals or the distortion of functional differentiation among health care providers. A brief discussion of each of the issues suggests three general guidelines for the formulation and implementation of policies intended to address the problem. First, attention should be directed to both patients and providers. Secondly, it is necessary to employ diverse measures including regulation, incentives and administrative supports. Thirdly, some of the approaches should be planned from a long range perspective, for it often takes a long time to change some aspects of health care utilization and provision.