• 대한청각학회지
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.40-47
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• 2020

Because the psychophysical symptoms of hearing loss and dementia in the elderly are very similar, untrained healthcare professionals in dementia facilities can easily overlook a severity of hearing loss in their patients. The present study identifies their knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on hearing loss using a survey whether they may help hearing problem of the patients with dementia. A total of 29 health-care professionals responded to the KAP survey. Also, 2 family members participated. The results showed that most of the nurses and caregivers in elderly medical welfare facilities who worked with dementia patients did not have knowledge of their hearing loss. Even the facility managers did not know how to conduct hearing tests for their patients although they did recognize that some of their patients had a hearing loss. Eventually, actual practice was not possible at this moment by the professionals. However, our respondents did have a positive attitude toward screening for hearing loss and help their patients with dementia wear hearing aids if a clinical guideline was provided. We suggest to develop clear and precise clinical guidelines of the hearing screening test for the dementia patients due to the interrelationship between dementia and hearing loss. When these guidelines apply to elderly residents in a medical welfare facility, early diagnosis and treatment of their sensory loss will help alleviate their dementia as well.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.395-402
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• 2023

Objectives: Microbial contamination of face masks used by healthcare professionals can vary depending on the degree of exposure to bioaerosols in various healthcare environments. However, research on this topic is limited. Therefore, we analyzed microbial contamination of N95 respirators used in hospital offices, wards, and outpatient settings. Methods: Samples isolated from N95 respirators worn for 2, 4, and 6 hours were incubated at a temperature of 35-37℃ or 25-28℃ for 24 hours or for 3-7 days, and colony-forming units were counted in chocolate agar, tryptic soy agar, and Sabouraud dextrose agar plates. Total indoor airborne bacteria were also measured in the healthcare environments. Finally, microbial species were identified using Gram staining with a microscopic speculum. Results: The three types of environments did not deviate from the maintenance of standard indoor air quality. There was no difference between the microbial species identified in the healthcare environment and mask contamination. However, the number of bacteria in the masks worn in each environment differed, and the degree of contamination increased with mask-wearing time (p<0.05). Conclusions: Therefore, care must be taken to avoid recontamination of masks due to improper use and exposure to biological hazards in healthcare environments. In conclusion, scientific evidence is necessary for safe mask-wearing times. Based on the results of this study, we hope to conduct further research to establish guidelines for the safe use of face masks during respiratory disease epidemics.

• 보건행정학회지
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.597-627
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• 2012

As misalignments among images, identity, and legitimacy of health professionals and institutions have been on the rise, CEOs of health care organizations have been required to enhance organizational accountability. Despite the accumulation of literature on the conceptual discussions of accountability, only a few studies empirically investigated key barriers to accountability and its facilitators. To identify perception on accountability with key barriers and facilitators of organizational accountability, a semi-structured interview with 11 CEOs of Korean hospitals was conducted. A short survey was taken to get quantitative data on CEO's perception on organizational accountability. To CEOs, accountability was very complex and unfamiliar concept, but understood as physician's code of ethics by nature and basic principle of hospital management. CEOs thought accountability could be improved through ethical leadership, financial stability and learning climate of hospitals. Distrust of the government, which failed to provide economic incentives for hospitals to increase accountability activities, was emphasized as a serious barrier to hospital accountability. There was consensus among hospital CEOs as to the importance of accountability in management. However, there were concerns that, without policy instruments to motivate hospitals toward increasing community benefits as well as collective efforts among health professionals to rebuild moral climate for being accountable, greater accountability would not be achieved in hospitals.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.139-147
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• 2011

Purpose: An integrative literature review was done to identify the best interventions for older adults with dyslipidemia in an effort to promote nursing involvement in the prevention of statin-induced symptoms (SIS). Such awareness could increase the capacity of interventions by geriatric nurses using evidence-based practices in the reassessment of statin therapy. Methods: CINAHL, Pubmed, and ProQuest were searched using these terms: dyslipidemia in, elderly, statins, adverse effects, and quality of life. Eleven articles fitting the inclusion criteria were identified and analyzed. Results: The findings indicate no evidence for the benefit of statin therapy for morbidity/mortality in a high-risk primary prevention set-up, specifically in the elderly population. Although SIS prevails among older adults, there are limited data that confidently support this observation along with nursing interventions specifically for the geriatric nursing community. Conclusion: Future research is necessary to shift nursing intervention with statin users (specifically in older adults) from an illness-based intervention to a preventive care plan to provide optimal care based on evidence. It is essential to involve self-reporting, cooperation, and communication with health care professionals, specifically with geriatric nurses. Additional studies are needed to further direct practice interventions in elderly statin users.

• 동의생리병리학회지
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.243-250
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• 2014

This study examined the knowledge and understanding of integrative medicine in Korea, specifically conflicts between western and oriental medicine within Parallel (Dual) health care systems. Qualitative methodology using grounded theory guided semi-structured, in-depth interviews with Western Medical Doctors (W.M.D., n = 6), Oriental Medical Doctors (O.M.D., n = 5) and Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners (T.C.M.P., n = 4). Thematic analysis was used to determine broad themes from the interviews. 15 professionals (W.M.D. (40%), O.M.D. (33%), T.C.M.P. (27%), 10 males (67%) and 5 females (33%), mean age 45) were interviewed, recorded, and transcribed. Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: systematic conflicts, integration and future directions. Subthemes of systematic conflicts included: credibility of Oriental Medicine, commercial imperatives, maintaining social standing of O.M.D., professional qualifications and lack structures supporting collaborative practice. Integration subthemes included lack of academic linkage and clarity for appropriate triage, opposing medical paradigms and limited social imperative. Future directions should include: social justification, guarantee of oriental medicine legitimacy, role of government and understanding of scientific evidence. To successfully integrate dual medical systems there is a need to address differences in social-environmental factors and perceptions of scientific understanding, as well as developing strong academic links in clinical practice.

• 여성건강간호학회지
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• 제15권4호
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• pp.303-311
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• 2009

Purpose: The study aimed to explore the health consequences that women experienced after miscarriage and the factors related to them. Methods: A convenience sample consisting of 102 women who had miscarried within 2 years was used. Women were recruited from hospitals and enterprises in Seoul and Gyeong-Gi Province. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire containing a physical and psychological symptoms checklist developed for this study. Results: More than 40% of the miscarriages occurred after 9 weeks of pregnancy and 35% of women were found to have had a previous miscarriage prior to this study. Psychological symptoms were more prevalent and prolonged than the physical symptoms, furthermore, the frequencies of the symptoms experienced were not consistent with the duration of symptoms. Employed women and women with early miscarriages complained of more physical symptoms; however, psychological symptoms were not different according to women's characteristics. Employment was a significant factor affecting physical symptoms. Conclusion: Health care professionals need to inform and educate women and the family of the potential health changes during the recovery after the miscarriage. Health consequences due to miscarriages also need to be incorporated in women's reproductive health care. Nursing care should consider factors of maternal age, employment status, and obstetrical conditions upon the apparent social changes.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제15권6호
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• pp.789-797
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• 2021

BACKGROUD/OBJECTIVES: Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) are providers of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to address health and chronic disease. Traditionally, RDNs have provided care in healthcare facilities including hospitals and private care facilities. The purpose of this study was to determine how RDN individualized MNT in the home impacted nutrition, physical activity, and food security. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This is a secondary data analysis. The mean age of the participants (n = 1,007) was 51.6 years old with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 34.1 kg/m². Individualized MNT visits were delivered by an RDN in the home setting from January to December 2019. Participants were referred by healthcare professionals or self-referred. Participants had MNT benefits covered by their health insurance plan (43.3% Medicaid; 39.8% private insurance; 7.9% Medicare, 9% other). Health outcomes related to nutrition care were measured. Outcomes included self-reported consumption of nutrition factors and physical activity. Our secondary outcome focused on food security. The changes in weight, BMI, physical activity, and nutrition factors were analyzed by a linear regression model or linear mixed model, adjusting for age, sex, baseline value, and number of appointments. Food security was summarized in a 2 by 2 contingency table. RESULTS: Baseline values had significantly negative impacts for all changes and number of appointments was significant in the changes for weight and BMI. Increases in physical activity were significant for both female and male participants, 10.4 and 12.6 minutes per day, respectively, while the changes in weight and BMI were not. Regarding dietary factors, the consumption total servings per day of vegetables (0.13) and water (3.35) significantly increased, while the consumption of total servings of whole grain (-0.27), fruit (-0.32), dairy (-0.80) and fish (-0.81) significantly decreased. About 24% (of overall population) and 45% (of Medicaid population) reported improvements in food security. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that home visits were a useful setting for MNT delivered by RDNs. There is a strong need for individualized counseling to meet the participants' needs and personal goals.

• 한국전문물리치료학회지
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.47-56
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• 2017

Background: Given the potential benefits of wellness programs promoting physical activity of the community-dwelling frail elderly, it is recommended that comprehensive wellness programs combined with the component of physical activity. This may improve overall health and potentially lower the health care cost of the frail elderly. In general, the frail elderly residing in community or those after being discharged from hospitals are often committed to enhancing the status of participation in physical activity. Objects: The purposes of this study were to identify specific shortcomings of current wellness programs as part of continuum of community rehabilitation services and to propose alternatives for the care of the community-dwelling frail elderly. Through this study, geriatric health care professionals may be able to implement assessments and programs to successfully promote an effective continuum of care for the frail elderly. Methods: Article reviews were summarized and evaluated. Results: A model elaborating the relationship between components of successful wellness program and participation in physical activities for the community-dwelling frail elderly are recommended. First, periodic monitoring the levels of physical activity by the use of online measurement system should be considered. Second, individualized adaptive technologies for selecting optimal physical activities for the elderly may be better fit to individuals' current status of physical activity. Conclusion: The current status of physical activity in community-dwelling frail elderly can be monitored by online assessment systems. Through the innovative measurement system, elderly may assess his/her physical activity status overtime, select optimal physical activities matching the status, and create the elderly's own adaptive wellness programs that match to the status while residing in his/her community.

• 한국의료질향상학회지
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.46-54
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• 1996

Background : The medical record is a compilation of pertinent facts of a patient's life and health history, including past and present illness and treatment. It is written by the health professionals contributing to that patient's care. And the medical record is the permanent, legal document which must contain sufficient information to identify the patient, justify the diagnosis and treatment, and record the results. As such, it must be accurate and complete. So we try to analyze the medical record especially a kind of incomplete record, loose laboratory reports. Methods: During the one-year period(from January to December 1988), a medical record practitioner examine and analyze the record of laboratory reports at K Hospital in Seoul. A total of 320 loose laboratory reports for 3,818 admitted laboratory reports. And a medical record practitioner and a physician review and analyze the influencing factors for the various reasons of clinical and laboratory aspects. Result: The loose percentage by department is the highest in obstetrics(40.4%) but the highest loose rate is in pediatrics(25.0%). The most of omission is occurred in operation room(80.3%) than OPD(19.7%). The change of diagnosis is according to duration of laboratory and more changable in cancer patient. Conclusion : Regular analysis of the documentation in the medical record so it fulfills its purposes of communicating patient care information. So it serves as evidence of the patient's course of illness and treatment for various legal, reimbursement, and peer evaluation review. And it is very important aspect of quality assurance in medical activities.

• 의료법학
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.385-411
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• 2008

The goal of medicine is to contribute to promoting national health by preventing diseases and providing treatment. The scope of modern medicine isn't merely confined to disease testing, treatment and prevention in accordance to that, and making experiments by using the human body is widespread. The advance in modern medicine has made a great contribution to valuing human dignity and actualizing a manly life, but there is a problem that has still nagged modern medicine: treatment and healing for terminal patients including cancer patients. In advanced countries, pain care and hospice medicine are already universal. Offering a helping hand for terminal patients to lead a less painful and more manly life from diverse angles instead of merely focusing on treatment is called the very hospice medicine. That is a comprehensive package of medical services to take care of death-facing terminal patients and their families with affection. That is providing physical, mental and social support for the patients to pass away in peace after living a dignified and decent life, and that is comforting their bereaved families. The National Hospice Organization of the United States provides terminal patients and their families with sustained hospital care and home care in a move to lend assistance to them. In our country, however, tertiary medical institutions simply provide medical care for terminal patients to extend their lives, and there are few institutional efforts to help them. Hospice medicine is offered mostly in our country by non- professionals including doctors, nurses, social workers, pastors or physical therapists. Terminal patients' needs cannot be satisfied in the same manner as those of other patients, and it's needed to take a different approach to their treatment as well. Nevertheless, the focus of medical care is still placed on treatment only, which should be taken seriously. Ministry for Health, Welfare & Family Affairs and Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service held a public hearing on May 21, 2008, on the cost of hospice care, quality control and demonstration project to gather extensive opinions from the academic community, experts and consumer groups to draw up plans about manpower supply, facilities and demonstration project, but the institutions are not going to work on hospice education, securement of facilities and relevant legislation. In 2002, Ministry for Health, Welfare & Family Affairs made an official announcement to introduce a hospice nurse system to nurture nurse specialists in this area. That ministry legislated for the qualifications of advanced nurse practitioner and a hospice nurse system(Article 24 and 2 in Enforcement Regulations for the Medical Law), but few specific plans are under way to carry out the regulations. It's well known that the medical law defines a nurse as a professional health care worker, and there is a move to draw a line between the responsibilities of doctors and those of nurses in association with medical errors. Specifically, the roles of professional hospice are increasingly expected to be accentuated in conjunction with treatment for terminal patients, and it seems that delving into possible problems with the job performance of nurses and coming up with workable countermeasures are what scholars of conscience should do in an effort to contribute to the development of medicine and the realization of a dignified and manly life.