• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.386-393
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• 2016

Objectives: General practitioners (GPs) retention in rural and underserved areas highly effects on accessibility of healthcare facilities across the country. Education seems to be a critical factor that affects GPs retention. Thus, the present study aimed at inquiry into medical education challenges that limit their retention in rural and underserved areas. Methods: A qualitative approach was applied for the aim of this study. Data were gathered via 28 semi-structured interviews with experts at different levels of Iran's health system as well as GPs who retained and refused to retain working in rural settings. Interviews mainly were performed face-to-face and in some cases via telephone during 2015 and then coded and analyzed using content analysis approach. Results: Iran's medical education is faced with several challenges that were categorized in four main themes including student selection, medical students' perception about their field of study, education setting and approach, curriculum of medical education. According to experts this challenges could results in making GP graduates disinterested for practicing in rural and underserved areas. Conclusions: Challenges that were found could have negative effects on retention. Modification in student's perception about rural practice could be done via changing education setting and approach and curriculum. These modifications could improve GPs retention in rural and underserved areas.

• Korean Security Journal
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• no.2
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• pp.227-258
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• 1999

In a broad sense, ‘After-care SYSTEM’ for discharged prisoners mean legal actions of prisoners who have been released from lawful detention In its narrow sense, mean preventive protection and observation activities under regular guidance and supervision against those released from penal facilities after a certain period of detention Therefore, they should not be viewed as objects of mere concern or social work programs but preventive protection should he provided to them as part of national criminal policy After-care system is in the following two ways, The one is based on individual prisoner's request and consent, which is called 'Voluntary After-care system', The other is the one which is not based in personal request or consent but is based on obligation, which is named 'Compulsory After-care system In Korea, however no Compulsory After-care system is in practice Voluntary After-care system is to be carried out 6 method in the following by existing Probation, Parole Law. (1) offer of board and lodging (2) allowance of Traveling expense (3) allowance of occupation instrument or lending rehabilitation fund (4) training of occupation and vocational guidance (5) self-reliance support for After-care probationer (6) guidance of good deed And then to establish the society without offenders is the ideal of human beings, but criminal acts don't fade away, so in the field of the science of criminology, the importance of correctional system has become greater. The correctional idea has moved from severe punishment to educational rehabilitation for the goal of protecting both offender and security from the threat of crime in to day Some it is required that Compulsory After-care system is most important system in effective measures, and that existing Probation, Parole Law in Korea is renewed into Compulsory After-care system in the future.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.16-25
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• 2019

Purpose:The healthcare system of South Korea is at the extreme of the dispersed system. Few regulations limit patients from directly visiting higher-level medical institutions for primary care sensitive conditions. As a result, similar to local clinics, general and tertiary teaching hospitals also provide diverse primary care services. Our study aimed to examine the general public's perceptions of their primary care performance. Methods: Face-to-face surveys were conducted with 1000 adults who were living in South Korea with the aid of a questionnaire that included the Korean Primary Care Assessment Tool (KPCAT). The KPCAT consists of five domains, which are the main indicators of primary care performance: first contact, comprehensiveness, coordination, personalized care, and family/community orientation. One-way analysis of variance and post hoc tests were used to compare the KPCAT scores across the three types of medical institutions. Results: Domain-wise analyses revealed two different patterns. With regard to first contact and its subdomains, the highest and lowest scores emerged for local clinics and tertiary teaching hospitals, respectively. However, the other four domain scores were significantly lower for local clinics than for the other two types of medical institutions. Conclusions: Local clinics were perceived to be medical institutions that are responsible for providing primary care. However, the general public perceived only one domain of their primary care to be superior to that of the other two types of medical institutions: first contact. National efforts should be taken to strengthen their other four domains of primary care by training their workforce and providing appropriate incentives.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.488-496
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• 2020

This study was based on nitrate chemical accidents at home and abroad. Toxic gases due to adverse reactions are generated in the workplace, laboratory, hospital, container damage, and chemical misinjection. Through a case review of possible situations and safety, this study analyzed various cases of accidents, accident status, accident type, cause of the accident, location of the accidents, etc. from 2014 to 2018. The plans for improvement in education and nitrate accidents were reviewed. As a result, 36 nitrate chemical accidents were investigated, including 16 careless worker accidents, eight transportation accidents, and 12 facilities shortages. Nitrate chemical accidents are occurring continuously. Based on this, the range of toxic effects using CARIS was calculated at the worst-case scenario, and the effective response range was measured through the damage impact range. For this purpose, the impact range was predicted based on the strengthening of safety education, emergency action plan and correlation, and the quantified data was identified. In addition, the reliability of the scope of impact was reviewed based on the correlation formula that could facilitate the evacuation of residents, and it was applied to actual accident scenarios of the workplace to present the effects of the accident response and preventive measures.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2022

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are high fever, cough, headache, and fever. These symptoms may vary from person to person, but checking for "fever" is the government's most basic measure. To confirm this, many facilities use thermographic cameras. Since the previously developed thermographic camera measures body temperature one by one, it takes a lot of time to measure body temperature in places where many people enter and exit, such as multi-use facilities. In order to prevent malfunctions and errors and to prevent sensitive personal information collection, this research team attempted to develop a facial recognition thermographic camera. The purpose of this study is to compensate for the shortcomings of existing thermographic cameras with disaster safety IoT integrated solution products and to provide quarantine systems using advanced facial recognition technologies. In addition, the captured image information should be protected as personal sensitive information, and a recent leak to China occurred. In order to prevent another case of personal information leakage, it is urgent to develop a thermographic camera that reflects this part. The thermal imaging camera system based on facial recognition technology developed in this study received two patents and one application as of January 2022. In the COVID-19 infectious disease disaster, 'quarantine' is an essential element that must be done at the preventive stage. Therefore, we hope that this development will be useful in the quarantine management field.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.157-168
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• 1995

This study was carried out, through analyzing the annual reports(year of 1973-1993) on health status of Su Dong-Myun, and specific survey data of 332 households(Su Dong-Myun 209, Byul Nae-Myun 123), located in Nam Yang Ju-Si, Kyung Gi-Do, from July 20 to July 31, 1995, to find out more effective means for primary medical care in a rural area. The results were as fellows : 1. Number of population in Su Dong-Myun was 5,419 in 1973, 4,591(the lowest) in 1987 and 5,707 in 1995. In the composition rate of population, "0-14" of age group showed markedly decreasing tendency from 43.1% in 1975, to 19.1% in 1995, however "65 and over" markedly in creasing tendency form 5.3% in 1975 to 9.8% in 1995. 2. Annual utilization rate per 1,000 inhabitants in Su Dong-Myun showed markedly increasing tendency from 1973 to 1977 such as 343 in 1973, 540 in 1975, 900 in 1977. However, since 1979, the rate showed rapidly decreasing tendency, such as 846 in 1979, 519 in 1985, 190 in 1991 and 1993. 3. The morbid household rate per year was 53.6% of respondents and the rate per 15 days was 48.2%. In disease classification rate of morbid household per year, Arthralgia & Neuralgia was the highest rate(33.9%) and gastro-intestinal disorder(19.3%), Cough(11,9%), Hypertension(7.8%), Accident(3.2%) in next order. 4. In the utilizing facilities for Primary Medical Care, Medical facilities was showed the highest rate(58.1% of respondents) and Pharmacy and Drug Shp(33.1%), Tradition Method(4.0%) in next order. In the Medical facilities, General private clinic was showed the highest rate(34.3%) and specific private Clinic(22.3%), Hospital(19.0%), Health (Sub)center(16.3%), Nurse practitioner (3.3%), Oriental hospital and clinic(2.7%) in next order. 5. Experience rate, utilizing health subcenter was 51.8% of the respondents, and it was 55.0% in Su Dong-Myun and 46.3% in Byul Nae-Myun. In utilization times of health subcenter, times-rate showed next orders such as 1-2 times/6months(31.6%), 1-2 times/year (22.1%), 1-2 times/months(19.2%), 1-2 times/3months(15.6%). 6. In objectives, visiting Health Subcenter, Medical Care was the highest rate(59.8% of the respondents) and health control(23.3%) was in next order. In Medical Care, Primary Care by general physician was higher rate(51.1%) almost all. In the Health control, Immunization too was high rate(18.0%) in health control activities. 7. The reasons rate, utilizing health subcenter showed next order, such as distance to Medical facilities(33.0% of the respondents), Medical Cost(28.1%), Simple process of consultation (10.8%), Effectiveness of cure(7.6%), Function of primary medical care(7.0%) and Attitude of physician(6.5%). 8. In the affecting factors to utilization of primary medical facilities, medical needs was showed the highest rate(29.5% of the respondents) and medical cost(15.4%), distance to medical facilities(14.2%), traffic vehicle(14.2%) and farm work(6.9%) in next order. 9. In the priority between 'daily farm work,' and 'primary medical care', only 46.4% of respondents answered that primary health care is more important than the daily farm work The 22.6% of respondents answered 'daily farm work', and the 12.3% answered 'the equal of the both'. 10. In the criterion of medical facilities choice, medical knowledge and technical quality was showed the highest rate(56.3%), distance or time to medical facilities(10.9%), sincerity and kindness of physician(9.4%), medical cost(8.7%) and traffic vehicle(6.5%) in next order 11. In the advise for improvement of health subcenter function, the 36.1% of respondents answered that 'enforcement of medical personnel and equipment' was required, and then 'improved medical technology'(25.5%), 'good attitude of physician'(14.9%), 'improved medical system'(13.3%), 'enforced drug'(6.7%) in next order. 12. The study on affecting factors to utilization of primary medical facilities was very difficult subject to systematize the analyzed results, due to a prejudice of protocol planner, surveyer and respondent, and variety and overlapping of subject matter.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.205-226
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• 2021

Objectives: Biomonitoring programs have been widely implemented in the field of environmental health, both in Korea and worldwide. Recently, it has been suggested that the storage, management, and utilization of biosamples collected from biomonitoring programs should be organized based on a biobank system. Therefore, we attempted to review the current status of representative biomonitoring programs and biobank systems that have been implemented in Korea and in other countries. Methods: We searched for bio-samples collected in domestic and foreign biomonitoring programs and their applications. For this, we referred to research papers, homepages hosted by biomonitoring programs, and project reports. We also checked information for biobanks related with biomonitoring programs, including the operating systems, facilities, technologies, and regulations of biobanks. Results: We summarized six domestic and 32 foreign biomonitoring programs. These biomonitoring programs collected bio-samples to determine the relationship between environmental chemicals and diseases. Domestically, bio-samples from KoNEHS, KorSEP, MOCEH, KoCHENS, and KorEHS-C were stored at -80℃ in a deep freezer at the National Institute of Environmental Research, while KNHANES samples were stored at Korea Biobank, which has a stabilized biobanking system with a well-established database. Nine foreign biomonitoring programs (JECS, China-NHBP, CKB, CHMS, NHANES, GerES, Germaan ESB, MoBa, and UK Biobank) were ongoing for large populations. Among them, CKB, GermanESB, and UK biobank have been maintained for at least 10 years with their own biomonitoring programs as well as advanced systems for the safe storage of bio-samples. Conclusion: Currently on-going biobanks have devoted considerable efforts to managing bio-samples for public purposes. The preceding domestic and foreign biomonitoring programs and biobanks will be great references for constructing biobank facilities and systems for environmental public health in Korea in the future.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.1-10
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• 2015

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to reveal the prevalence of Mibyeong and its symptoms including fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, dyspepsia, depression, anxiety and anger by using the national survey. Methods : Questionnaires were collected by Gallup Korea. Participants were chosen through stratified sampling method based on area, gender and age. Questionnaire was designated to confirm the recognition, managing of Mibyeong, investigation of life habit, medical history, basic information, QoL questionnaires (Short Form-12, EuroQol-5D) and understanding of Mibyeong medical service conditions. Generally all questionnaires were used for survey the Mibyeong status in public except QoL questionnaires. Questionnaires were fulfilled by professional surveyor as face to face interview. Descriptives was used for data analysis and the results were expressed as percentage ratios (%) Results : 1,101 of people were acquired in this study. Eighty point two (80.2%) percent of participants did not know the concept of Mibyeong accurately even though 80.6% complained of Mibyeong related symptoms. Among them, fatigue was accounted for the highest response (70.7%)in this study. Sixty point four percent of participants identified non-smoking, stop drinking, eating habits and sleeping habits as a way to manage their Mibyeong related symptoms. In addition, exercising (60.8%), visiting medical institution (58.4%) and taking health functional food (52.7%) were presented. Only 23.1% among people with symptoms Mibyeong visited medical facilities. Moreover, the quality of life was found to be significantly correlated with health status. Conclusions : This study could contribute to express the importance of announcing the concept of Mibyeong and status to Korean public. Moreover, more Mibyeong studies should be conducted in the future to evaluate the Mibyeong status objectively.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.35-41
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• 2010

Objectives: In Korea, the top 10% of Medical Aid recipients represent nearly 60% of total payment, with the costs for those disabled for over 365 days representing approximately 30% of total payment. The purpose of this study was to compare Medical Aid use of the disabled with non-disabled recipients, and to identify contributing factors to the total payment in the top 2% of recipients identified as Medical Aid overusers. Methods: Subjects (n=2,211) selected were ${\geq}18$-years-of-age and received >1000 days of co-payment-free type I Medical Aid. Case managers (n=200) conducted interviews in December 2006, and collected data from Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service. Amounts over the 9 months from January September 2006 were analyzed descriptively and using Chi-square, ANCOVA, and robust multiple linear regression. Results: Disabled individuals (mean age 61.3 years) composed 36.6% of subjects; 44.8% of the disabled were male. On a monthly basis per capita, the disabled group averaged 10.5 outpatient days, total payment of 523,000 Korean Won(￦), inpatient payment of ￦359,000, and outpatient payment of ￦183,000. All values exceeded the monthly average for non-disabled individuals. Contributing factors were identified as male gender (￦82,000), elementary school or lower educational level (￦64,000), residence in a small city (￦82,000), lack of family support (￦61,000), kidney disability (￦673,000), intellectual disability (￦151,000), and multiple disabilities (￦119,000). Conclusions: The identification of contributing factors to Medical Aid use by those defined as disabled supports the adoption of comprehensive alternative policies such as strengthening of education and consultation services, provision of alternative facilities, and promotion of self-care.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.176-189
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• 1998

This study was conducted to evaluate the subjective ideas about the determinants of quality in ambulatory care unit among outpatients and medical staff of a university hospital, and to compare the differences of the ideas, between patients themselves and hospital staff. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted covering 799 outpatients and 190 hospital staff in March, 1998. The questionnaire included general characteristics and 26 determinants of ambulatory care quality. The following are summaries of the findings: 1. Both of outpatients and hospital staff perceived, "Physician's knowledge" as the most important determinant of medical care quality. 2. In respect of 7 determinants related to physician's knowledge and skill, both outpatients and hospital staff perceived "physician's knowledge and skill" as important determinants. The scores of determinants such as, "Not doing unnecessary examinations", and "Assignment of adequate number of patients and duty schedule for the physician" were significantly different between outpatients and hospital staff. 3. In respect of 4 determinants related to doctor-patient relationship, both outpatients and hospital staff perceived "attention to patient's complaints" as the most important determinant. The scores related to the determinants such as "kindness of physician" and "explanation of treatment outcome" were significantly different between outpatients and hospital staff. 4. Among the amenities related determinants, "Modern facilities and equipments" were perceived as the most important determinant in both group. 5. In respect of 8 determinants related to non-financial accommodation, outpatients perceived, "Waiting hours for treatment" as the most important determinant, and hospital staff perceived, "Kindness of hospital staff". 6. In respect of 4 determinants related to financial accommodation, outpatients perceived, "Fare account of medical cost" as the most important determinant, and hospital staff perceived, "Increasing reimbursements". Further comprehensive research should be made on the evaluation of perceptions of medical care quality, both of outpatient and inpatient care, among patients and hospital staff. So good quality in medical care will be achieved based on clients' needs.