• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.85-94
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• 2017

Objectives: To explore experiences of treatment-related side effects and supportive care among Korean breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods: Focus group interview was conducted with six Korean women with breast cancer. Participants were recruited through snow-balling. Interview was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. NVivo-11 was used to code the data into themes. Results: Two major themes were identified: (1) experiences of Western medicine, including treatment, side effects, needs and costs; (2) experiences of supportive care with Korean medicine, including the same as above. All participants experienced Western medicine in treatment phase and reported impairment of physical, emotional, and social functioning during and after Western medicine treatment. Only three participants used Korean medicine after treatments end. The negative responses from Western medicine doctors were the most important factor keeping participants from accessing Korean medicine when treatment-related side effects occurred. For this reason, some participants used Korean medicine without disclosure. Participants usually acquired information about Korean medicine from online community or other BCS, which was another important factor because it raised concerns about side effects and credibility of Korean medicine. High cost was also reported as barrier in using Korean medicine. During the cancer treatment, participants tended to endure their treatment-related side effects. Conclusions: Korean BCS may be at high risk of physical or emotional distress during treatment period. Findings suggest that there is a high need for supportive care to relieve treatment-related side effects and improve patients' quality-of-life. Furthermore, developing a systematic guidance or credible information sources should be warranted to help patients find the best supportive care options including Korean medicine.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• 제20권2호
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• pp.107-117
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• 2020

Background: In this study, we tried to comprehensively explore clinical dental hygienist's experience of a prevention-based incremental oral health care program, which was pilot-operated by dental clinics, define prevention-based incremental oral health care as experienced in the field, and identify factors to be considered. Methods: This study conducted a focus group interview with five dental hygienists who participated in an ongoing oral management pilot project in 2016. The interview was conducted by a researcher, and the co-research team attended as progress assistants and recorded characteristics of the participants, main dictations, and non-verbal characteristics. All interviews were recorded and underwent thematic analysis to examine the questions of the study as the main axis. Results: As a result of the study, 65 meaningful statements were extracted by code, integrated into 24 sub-categories, and structured into 11 categories. Finally, four keywords were drawn: characteristics, facilitating factors, conflicting factors, and improvement measures for prevention-based incremental oral health care. Regarding prevention-based incremental oral health care in dental clinics, dental hygienists were highly aware of the physical and mental burdens of personalized treatment and education for each individual. They were responsible for the patient and for facilitating changes in the behavior of the client, leading to professional satisfaction. The dental team's cooperation and supportive attitude were found essential to continue oral health care in the dental clinic. Conclusion: Through dental team-based treatment philosophy sharing and collaboration, it is possible to provide prevention-based incremental oral health care in dental clinics. In future, it is necessary to develop a system for establishing a sustainable preventative management system for public health promotion.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• 제9권9호
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• pp.319-327
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to find out how to develop the related competency by exploring the service convergence experience of social workers in the social welfare field. For this purpose, social workers were organized into focus groups to reflect various fields and experiences of the social welfare, and the focus group interview method was implemented. The results of this study are as follows: First, research participants who are social workers of the field recognized positive effects and experiential limitations in the experience of providing convergent services through collaboration with various professionals. Second, research participants experienced the necessity of convergence services, while being asked for various roles in the extended area. Finally, research participants propose a plan to develop competencies required in social welfare environment where a convergent approach is required. Based on the results of this study, it was prepared that basic data for the development of practical competency in the social welfare field.

• 한국노년학
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.159-177
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• 2010

This study focused on elderly caring issues and proposes Information Technology (IT) as the complementary tool of care activities, and it was aimed to identify application and feasibility of complementary IT for elderly care activities. Focus Group Interview (FGI) was conducted with current and potential caregivers respondents to explore caregivers' opinions and needs of care activities, and to suggest roles of IT which are helpful for elderly caregiving. The results showed that caregivers desire to check elderly care receivers' health, safety, and location whenever and wherever they want, and these caregivers' needs can be satisfied with IT by supporting caring ubiquitously. Moreover, this article provided more specific guidelines of IT applications for elderly caring services, so it expected positive roles of IT for elderly caring activities. However, this paper consequently emphasized IT must focus on only supporting and complementary roles of caregiving activities rather than alternative roles to enhance caregivers' caring efficiency and reduce their caring burden.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• 제10권5호
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• pp.751-757
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• 2024

This study evaluates the effectiveness of advertising copywriting using the artificial intelligence language model, ChatGPT, and explores its potential applications and limitations within the advertising industry. We established five key research questions and conducted in-depth focus group interviews (FGI) with university students in Busan. The findings reveal that there was no significant preference difference between copies written by ChatGPT and human copywriters. However, ChatGPT's copies were particularly effective in age-targeted advertising but showed limitations in gender targeting and reflecting cultural contexts. Additionally, consumer acceptance of AI copywriting was generally positive, though concerns were raised about the creativity and naturalness of AI-generated copies. This research provides practical insights into how AI can be utilized in advertising content creation and stimulates discussion on the appropriate use of AI technology and ethical considerations within the industry. These results offer important implications for both advertising professionals and the academic community.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• 제21권8호
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• pp.160-169
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• 2020

This study was conducted to identify the linkage and cooperation experiences in public case-management services of visiting health care practitioners. Focus group interviews were conducted with three people in charge of providing visiting healthcare services in public health centers. A semi-structured interview questionnaire was developed in advance through discussions among researchers In response to the interview questions, study participants described in detail the success and failure factors associated with linkage and cooperation that they experienced while providing visiting healthcare services. The interview data were analyzed qualitatively to identify the main themes and sub-themes reflecting visiting nurses' experiences with linkage and cooperation. The three main themes were: 'Guidelines act as positive performance factors for community-based linkage and cooperation', 'Unstable employment and lack of an integrated system act as barriers to linkage and cooperation', and 'Necessary for multidimensional approach to promoting linkage and cooperation'. Based on these results, the authors propose the development of clear linkage and cooperation standards and procedures, thereby ensuring job security for visiting nurses. Moreover, an integrated information system should be developed and implemented.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제50권5호
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• pp.336-346
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• 2017

Objectives: To characterize the usage patterns of new types of tobacco products (NTTPs) to develop effective strategies for the regulation of NTTPs in Korea. Methods: We conducted focus group interviews to identify the NTTP usage patterns of research subjects. The NTTPs were limited to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), waterpipe tobacco, and rolling tobacco. We categorized 30 research subjects into 4 groups. The ecigarette group was divided into adult and adolescent groups. Each group contained 7-8 subjects. An interview lasting approximately 2 hours was conducted with each group. Results: Ninety percent of NTTP users used an NTTP in combination with conventional cigarettes. Subjects mostly bought NTTPs online, unlike how they bought cigarettes. Additionally, a great deal of information, such as how to use NTTPs and descriptions of NTTP products, was exchanged through online or offline societies. The primary reason why the subjects used NTTPs was that NTTPs offer a greater range of flavors and aromas than cigarettes. Moreover, NTTPs were felt to be less repulsive than cigarettes. NTTPs were not used as a cigarette substitute; rather, they were mostly used in places and situations where traditional cigarette smoking was not allowed. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the government should conduct studies on the effects of the combined use of NTTPs and cigarettes on the human body, obtain and provide accurate data regarding NTTP use, and develop and implement polices to ban NTTP advertising, which may arouse adolescents' curiosity, and the addition of flavoring substances to tobacco products.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.104-114
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• 2021

Objective: To explore the perception of drug utilization review (DUR) system and DUR modernization pilot project among healthcare professionals and patients. Methods: We conducted 8 times of focus group interviews (FGI) between August 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019. The healthcare professionals and patients who participated in the DUR modernization pilot project were included in the present study. Based on the type of project participation or medical institution, the participants were divided into the following four groups: group 1, hospital; group 2, clinic; group 3, pharmacy; and group 4, patient. Within each group, interviews were conducted under a pre-defined agenda to identify the implicit perceptions of the participants; the contents of the interviews were, then, categorized. Results: Healthcare professionals established a consensus on the positive aspects of the DUR system and DUR modernization pilot project. However, substantial concerns remain, such as additional workload associated with monitoring adverse events or acquiring consents from patients. Furthermore, a difference of opinion over the DUR convenience system was observed. Among 3 DUR convenience system, the personal medication history review service was highly utilized, but pop-up hold function and communication system was rarely used. Conclusion: We observed that systematic intervention using the DUR system is effective for both healthcare providers and consumers. Adverse events caused by inappropriate drug use can be prevented by continuous patient monitoring. Therefore, the role of DUR system needs to be expanded to establish a safe drug management system.

• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.45-61
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• 2017

Objectives : This research aims to investigate the consumer's interest in the Korean Medicine (KM) industry by using Google-trends and Naver-Data lab. A quick and uncomplicated way for those who are already involved with KM industry but do not have expertise in utilizing Big-data searches, is introduced. Methods : 'Direct keyword' was set by FGI (Focus Group Interview) and 'Detailed keyword' was set by using relevant word search and autocomplete search functions in the search engine. By inquiring Naver-Data lab, keyword search volumes are compared by age and sex, date range, and originating region of the researcher. It is possible to determine whether the data is reliable or authentic through examining the associated query. Selected direct keywords used through FGI (Focus Group Interview) were 'Acupuncture', 'Herbal Medicine', 'Cupping', 'Musculoskeletal Disease', 'Diet', and 'Stemina'. Based on these keywords, the following results were derived from the keyword analysis. Results : From August 2016, there was a noticeable surge of interest in men's 'Cupping'. The search for 'Diet' increased in the second quarter of 2016 from all ages. The search volume of 'Stemna' for individuals in their 20s is higher than that of those in their 30s or 40s'. Researchers from the region of Chungcheongbuk-do had a higher level of interest in analgesics and less interest in Korean Medicine. There is a greater interest in the KM market from European countries and America, than from Korea, China, and other Asian countries. Discussion : Despite the limitations of the research, it is meaningful to introduce a quick and easy data search method to compare information by age, sex, and region. Conclusion : The future of research into Korea Medicine and this market is confirmed by our data results which indicate interest from Europe, the United States, and other western countries, but less interest from Korea, China and other Asian countries.

• Management & Information Systems Review
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• 제35권3호
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• pp.213-230
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• 2016

In O2O environment(Online-to-Offline), providers attract new customers via web sites and lead them to pay online, then induce them again to offline when receiving products. Thus, online and offline channel is integrated and create synergy for marketing in O2O context. As online and offline channel coexist in O2O, consumers' perceptions for products and services that providers offer cannot help being different compared to an independent channel (i.e., either online or offline). Therefore, this research aims to develop the O2O service quality model(O2O-SQ model). Especially, O2O is the unique environment where offline, online, and mobile commerce are integrated so that the current paper suggests the $1^{st}$ O2O-SQ model by integrating the common factors of offline, online, and mobile service quality model through the previous literature review. Hence, this study conducts FGI(Focus Group Interview) for customers who have experienced in purchasing products in O2O commerce. Among integrated common service quality factors of $1^{st}$ O2O-SQ model, the current paper identifies the specific service quality factors that customers perceive significantly through FGI analysis. Moreover, after extracting the unique O2O-SQ factors with this qualitative analysis and integrating with the $1^{st}$ O2O-SQ model, the paper develops the final O2O-SQ model.