• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.34-46
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• 1988

Intractable pain from advanced carcinoma of the upper abdomen is difficult to manage. One method used to control pain associated with these malignancies is to block off the splanchnic nerve. In 1919 Kappis described a technique by which the splanchnic nerve of the upper abdomen could be anesthetized, using a percutaneous injection. This method has been used for the relief of upper abdominal pain due to hematoma and cancer of the pancreas, stomach, gall bladder, bile duct, and colon. During the Period from November 1968 to January 1986, this method was used in 208 cases of malignancy at Severance Hospital and clinically evaluated. Patients were retroactively grouped according to the stage of development of technique used. Twelve patients who received the treatment in the period from November 1968 to March 1977 were designate4i as group 1, 26 patients from April 1977 to April 1979 as group 2, and 170 from May 1979 to January 1986 as group 3. The results are as follows: 1) The number of patients receiving splanchnic nerve block has been increasing since 1977. 2) A total of 208 patients, including 133 males and 75 females, ranging in age from 18 to 84 and averaging 51. 3) The causes of pain were stomach cancer 90, pancreatic cancer 69, and miscellaneous cancer 49 cases respectively. 4) There were 57.7% who had surgery. and 3.7% of whom had chemotherapy before the splanchnic nerve block was done. 5) These blocks were carried out with the patient in the prone position as described by Dr. Moore. For group 2 and 3, C-arm image intensifier was used. In group 1, a 22 gauze loom long needle was inserted at the lower border of the 12th rib on each aide about 7\;cm from the midline. The average distance from the midline was $6.60{\pm}0.61\;cm$ on the left side and $6.60{\pm}0.83\;cm$ on the right side in group 2, and $5.46{\pm}0.76\;cm$ on the left side and $5.49{\pm}0.69\;cm$ on the right side in group 3. The average depth to which the needle was inserted was $8.60{\pm}0.52\;cm$ on the left side and $8.74{\pm}0.60\;cm$ on the right side in group 2, and $8.96{\pm}0.63\;cm$ on the left side and $9.18{\pm}0.57\;cm$ on the right side in group 3. 6) The points of the inserted needles were positioned in the upper quarter anteriorly, 51.8% on the left side and 54.4% n the right side of the L1 vertebra by lateral roentgenogram in group 3. The inserted needle points were located in the upper and anterolateral part, of the L1 vertebra 68.5% on the left side and 60.6won the right side, on the anteroposterior rentgenogram in group 3. The needle tip was not advanced beyond the anterior margin of the vertebral body. 7) In some case of group 3, contrast media was injected before the block was done. It shows, the spread upward along the anterior mal gin of the vertebral body. 8) The concentration and the average amount of drug used in each group was as follows: In group 1, $39.17{\pm}6.69\;ml$ of 0.5% -l% lidocaine or 0.25% bupivacaine were injected for the test block and one to three days after the test block $40.00{\pm}4.26\;ml$ of 50% alcohol was injected for the semipermanent block. In group 2, $13.75{\pm}4.88\;ml$ of 1% lidocaine were used as the test block and followed by $46.17{\pm}4.37\;ml$ of 50% alcohol was injected as the semipermanent block. In group 3, $15.63{\pm}1.19\;ml$ of 1% lidocaine for test block followed by $15.62{\pm}1.20\;ml$ of pure alcohol and $16.05{\pm}2.58\;ml$ of 50% alcohol for semipermanent block were injected. 9) The result of the test block was satisfactory in all cases. However the semipermanent block was 83.3 percent of the patients in group 1 who received relief from pain for at least 2 weeks after the block, 73.1% in group 2, and 91.8% in group 3. In these unsuccessful cases, 2 cases in group 1 were controlled by narcotics but 7 cases in group 2 and 14 cases in group 3 received the same splanchnic nerve block 1 or 2 times again within 2 weeks. But, in some cases it was 3 to i months before the 2nd block and in 1 cases even 7 years. 10) The most common complications of splanchnic nerve block were hypotensino(25.5%) occasional flushing of the face, nausea, vomiting, and chest discomfort. 11) For the patients in group 3, the supplemental block most commonly used was a continuous epidural block; it was used as a diagnostic block and to afford relief from pain before the splanchnic nerve block was done. 12) The interval between the receiving of the alcohol block and discharge was from 5 to 8 days in 61 cases(31.1%) and from 1 to 2 days in 48 cases(24.5%). From the above results, it can be concluded that the splanchnic nerve block done in the prone position with pure and 50% alcohol immediately after an effective test block with 1% lidocaine under C-arm fluoroscopic control is satisfactory and reliable. How to minimize the repeat block is still a problem to be solved.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.49-56
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• 1997

Purpose : To evaluate the pathologic effects of preoperative radiotherapy o the resectable distal rectal cancer, we analyzed the results of postoperative pathologic findings for the patients with preoperative radiotherapy ant surgery Materials and Methods: From July 1995 to April 1996, we treated sixteen patients of resectable rectal cancer with preoperative radiation therapy and curative surgery At diagnosis, Thomas Jefferson (TJ) system was used for the clinical stage of the Patients. We treated the patients with conventional radiation therapy of 4500~5000cGy before surgery. The surgery was carried out 4 weeks after completion of radiation therapy. Modified Astler Coller (MAC) system was used for the postoperative pathologic stage. We analyzed the pathologic stages and findings according to preoperative clinical stage and compared with those of the control group in similar clinical stages. Result : All patients were treated with sphincter preservation surgery after Preoperative radiation therapy. Pathoiogic complete response (CR) was shown in 1 case $(6.3\%)$. We compared the results between preoperative radiation therapy group (Preop.RT group) and surgery only group (control group). In TJ stage II, among nine patients of Preop.RT group, 8 patients $(88.9\%)$ were in MAC stage 8 except 1 CR patient, but among 17 patients of control group. 11 patients$(64.7\%)$ were in MAC stage B and 6 Patients $(35.3\%)$ in MAC stage C. In TJ stage III, among 7 patients of Preop.RT group, 4 patients $(57.1\%)$ were in MAC stage B and 3 patients$(42.9\%)$ in MAC stage C. Among 14 Patients of control group, 4 patients $(28.6\%)$ were in MAC stage B and 10 Patients $(71.4\%)$ in MAC stage C. Above results showed that postoperative Pathologic stage was decreased in Preop.RT group with statistical significance (P=0.049). The postoperative Pathologic findings (blood vessel invasion. Iymphatic vessel invasion, perineural invasion) were decreased in the Preop.RT group compared with those of control group. But statistical significance was found only in Iymphatic vessel invasion (p=0.019). Conclusion : The Postoperative pathologic stages and adverse Prognostic pathologic findings were decreased in preoperative radiation therapy group. The Iymphatic vessel invasion and MAC stage C findings were abruptly decreased in Preoperative radiation therapy group. The preoperative radiation therapy was found to be effective in resectable rectal cancer. The patients group in our study was very small and long term follow up was not done. Therefore, further study about this issues is needed.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.163-199
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• 2005

Dentistry had been considered to be a relatively safe zone from the risk of medical accidents for there are less number of emergency cases. However, in these days, the number of medical dispute is increasing that the dentists would not be able to overlook it as if it is none of their matters. Hence, researches on various medical accidents and analyses on related matters to seek proper management have been carried out recently, but the datas are not enough yet. This study analysed the actual conditions of medical accidents as well as disputes and the general awareness of dental practitioners in local clinics with the purpose of understanding the general situation and to suggest counterplan. The study was conducted by analysing 1,882 questionnaires collected from total of 3,684 dentists belonging to Seoul Dental Association and where Doctors and Hospitals Medical Malpractice Insurance for dentists is administered. The results were as follows: 1. 98.47% of the respondents doubted the risk of medical accident and dispute. 2. 27.42% of the respondents experienced medical dispute, and there was no significant difference between the rate of medical disputes and the resident training. 3. Among the cases of medical accidents, those related to the periodontal/operative treatment showed the highest rate of 20.50%, and that related to implant treatment was 6.17%. 4. 43.02% of the respondents explained about the treatment procedure before the treatment while 25.90% started the treatment without consent of the patients. 5. Medical dispute resulted from not having any explanation or consent of the patients were of 16.55%. 10.26% had difficulties in solving the problem for missing the medical records. 6. 49.73% responded to be capable of administering first aid treatment. Among them, 23.60% were equipped with accurate knowledge regarding the emergency care. 7. During medical dispute, 88.09% sought counsel from other dentists, and Local district dental association was found to be the most frequently asked group. 8. In cases of medical dispute, 5.26% of the respondents were asked to submit relevant data from customer protection organization, and among them, 75.61% acceded the demand sincerely. 9. After the settlement of the dispute, 83.63% recovered relatively stable state of mind. 10. 99.46% of the respondents felt the necessity of medical dispute management organization, and 78.58% responded that it was urgent. 11. 66.70% of the respondents joined Doctors and Hospitals Medical Malpractice Insurance, although they had not experienced medical dispute. However, 73.36% of the respondent were not aware of it, and 93.36% of the members were not aware of the procedure of the dispute settlement. 12. 79.0% of the respondents who joined the Doctors and Hospitals Medical Malpractice Insurance still felt confused when medical dispute occured, but relatively safer than before. 13. When medical dispute was settled through Doctors and Hospitals Medical Malpractice Insurance, 71.92% of the dentists were contented more than moderately, however, 35.16% of the patients were contented. 14. For complement of Doctors and Hospitals Medical Malpractice Insurance, 53.22% of the respondents felt that insurance company, dentist, and patient should all participate in bringing mutual agreement for quick settlement of the dispute. In addition, 29.08% of the respondents wanted insurance company to prevent patients from disturbing their practices. From the above results, improvement of the general awareness on increasing rate of medical disputes, and education as well as complementary measures for settlement of the disputes are required.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.232-240
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• 1997

Background : Postprimary pulmonary tuberculosis is located mainly in upper lobes. The tuberculous lesion involving the lower lobes usually arises from the upper lobe cavity through endobronchial spread. When tuberculosis is confined to the lower lung field, it often masquerades as pneumonia, lung cancer, bronchiectasis, or lung abscess. Thus the correct diagnosis may be sometimes delayed for a long time. Methods : We carried out, retrospectively, a clinical study on 50 patients confirmed with lower lung field tuberculosis who visited the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Hanyang University Hospital from January 1992 to December 1994. The following results were obtained. Results : Lower lung field tuberculosis without concomitant upper lobe disease occurred in fifty patients representing 6.9% of the total admission with active pulmonary tuberculosis over a period of 3 years. It occurred most frequently in the third decade but age distribution was relatively even. The mean age was 43 years old. Female was more frequently affected than male (male to female ratio 1 : 1.9). The most common symptom was cough(68%), followed by sputum(52%), fever(38%), and chest discomfort(30%). On chest X-ray of the 50patients, consolidation was the most common finding in 52%, followed by solitary nodule(22%) collapse(16%), cavitary lesion(10%), in decreasing order. The disease confined to the right side in 25 cases, left side 20 cases, and both sides 5 cases. Endobronchial tuberculosis (1) Endobronchial involvement was proved by bronchoscopic examination in 20 of 50patients. (2) Mean age was 44years old and female was more affected than man (male to female ratio 1 : 3). Sputum AFB stain and Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture were positive only in 50% of cases unlikely upper lobe tuberculosis, additional diagnostic methods were needed. In our study, bronchoscopic examination and percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy increased diagnostic yield by 18% and 32%, respectively. The most common associated condition was diabetes mellitus(18%) and others were anemia, anorexia nervosa, stomach cancer, and systemic steroid usage. Conclusion : When we find a lower lung field lesion, we should suspect tuberculosis if the patient has diabetes mellitus, anemia, systemic steroid usage, malignancy or other immune suppressed states. Because diagnostic yield of sputum AFB smear & Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture was low, additional diagnostic methods such as bronchoscopy and fine needle aspiration biopsy were needed.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.917-923
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• 2001

Background : Bronchial sleeve resection for centrally located primary lung cancer is a lung-parenchyma-sparing operation in patients whose predicted postoperative lung function is expected to diminished markedly. Because of its potential bronchial anastomotic complications, it is considered to be an alternative to pneumonectomy. However, since sleeve lobectomy yielded survival results equal to at least those of pneumonectomy, as well as better functional results, it became and accepted standard procedure for patients with lung cancer who have anatomically suitable tumors, regardless of lung function. In this study, from analyzing of occurrence rate of postoperative complication and survival rate, we wish to investigate the validity of sleeve resection for primary lung cancer. Material and Method : From January 1989 to December 1998, 45 bronchial sleeve resections were carried out in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Seoul National University Hospital. We included 40 men and 5 women, whose ages ranged from 23 to 72 years with mean age of 57 years. Histologic type was squamous cell carcinoma in 35 patients, adenocarcinoma in 7, and adenosquamous cell carcinoma in 1 patients. Right upper lobectomy was peformed in 24 patients, left upper lobectomy in 11, left lower lobectomy in 3, right lower lobectomy in 1, right middle lobecomy and right lower lobectomy in 3, right upper lobectomy and right middle lobecomy in 2, and left pneumonectomy in 1 patient. Postoperative stage was Ib in 11, IIa in 3, IIb in 16, IIIa in 13, and IIIb in 2 patients. Result: Postoperative complications were as follows; atelectasis in 9, persistent air leakage for more than 7 days was in 7 patients, prolonged pleural effusion for more than 2 weeks in 7, pneumonia in 2, chylothorax in 1, and disruption of anastomosis in 1. Hospital mortality was in 3 patients. During follow-up period, bronchial stricture at anastomotic site were found in 7 patients under bronchoscopy, Average follow-up duration of survivals(n=42) was 35.5$\pm$29 months. All of stage I patients were survived, and 3 year survival rate of stage II and III patients were 63%, 21%, respectively. According to Nstage, all of N0 patients were survived and 3 year survival rates of Nl and N2 were 63% and 28% respectively. Conclusion: We suggest that this sleeve resection, which is technically demanding, should be considered in patients with centrally located lung cancer, because ttlis lung-saving operation is safer than pneumonectomy and is equally curative.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.216-223
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• 2001

Purpose : We evaluated retrospectively the outcomes of inoperable squamous cell lung cancer patients treated with radiotherapy to find out prognostic factors affecting survival. Materials and methods : Four hundred and eleven patients diagnosed as squamous cell lung cancer between November 1988 and December 1997 were the basis of this analyses. The planned dose to the gross tumor volume was ranged from 30 to 70.2 Gy. Chemotherapy was combined in 72 patients $(17.5\%)$ with the variable schedule and drug combination regimens. Follow-up period ranged from 1 to 113 months with the median of 8 months and survival status was identified in 381 patients $(92.7\%)$. Overall survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results : Age ranged from 23 years to 83 years with the median 63 years. The male to female ratio was about 16:1. For all 411 patients, the median overall survival was 8 months and the 1-year survival rate (YSR), 2-YSR, and 5-YSR were $35.6\%,\;12.6\%,\;and\;3.7\%$, respectively. The median and 5-YSR were 29 months and $33.3\%$ for Stage IA, 13 months and $6.3\%$ for Stage IIIA, and 9 months and $3.4\%$ for Stage IIIB, respectively(p=0.00). The median survival by treatment aim was 11 months in radical intent group and 5 months in palliative, respectively (p=0.00). Of 344 patients treated with radical intent, median survival of patients (N=247) who received planned radiotherapy completely was 12 months while that of patients (N=97) who did not was 5 months (p=0.0006). In the analyses of the various prognostic factors affecting to the survival outcomes in 247 patients who completed the planned radiotherapy, tumor location, supraclavicular LAP, SVC syndrome, pleural effusion, total lung atelectasis and hoarseness were statistically significant prognostic factors both in the univariate and multivariate analyses while the addition of chemotherapy was statistically significant only in multivariate analyses. The acute radiation esophagitis requiring analgesics was appeared in 49 patients $(11.9\%)$ and severe radiation esophagitis requiring hospitalization was shown in 2 patients $(0.5\%)$. The radiation pneumonitis requiring steroid medication was shown in 62 patients $(15.1\%)$ and severe pneumonitis requiring hospitalization was occurred in 2 patients $(0.5\%)$. During follow-up, 114 patients $(27.7\%)$ had progression of local disease with 10 months of median time to recur (range : $1\~87\;months$) and 49 patients $(11.9\%)$ had distant failure with 7 months of median value (range : $1\~52\;months$). Second malignancy before or after the diagnosis of lung cancer was appeared in 11 patients Conclusion : The conventional radiotherapy in the patients with locally advanced squamous cell lung cancer has given small survival advantage over supportive care and it is very important to select the patient group who can obtain the maximal benefit and to select the radiotherapy technique that would not compromise the life quality in these patients.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.125-132
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• 2010

Purpose: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), also known as embryo screening, is a pre-pregnancy technique used to identify genetic defects in embryos created through in vitro fertilization. PGD is considered a means of prenatal diagnosis of genetic abnormalities. PGD is used when one or both genetic parents has a known genetic abnormality; testing is performed on an embryo to determine if it also carries the genetic abnormality. The main advantage of PGD is the avoidance of selective pregnancy termination as it imparts a high likelihood that the baby will be free of the disease under consideration. The application of PGD to genetic practices, reproductive medicine, and genetic counseling is becoming the key component of fertility practice because of the need to develop a custom PGD design for each couple. Materials and Methods: In this study, a survey on the contents of genetic counseling in PGD was carried out via direct contact or e-mail with the patients and specialists who had experienced PGD during the three months from February to April 2010. Results: A total of 91 persons including 60 patients, 49 of whom had a chromosomal disorder and 11 of whom had a single gene disorder, and 31 PGD specialists responded to the survey. Analysis of the survey results revealed that all respondents were well aware of the importance of genetic counseling in all steps of PGD including planning, operation, and follow-up. The patient group responded that the possibility of unexpected results (51.7%), genetic risk assessment and recurrence risk (46.7%), the reproduction options (46.7%), the procedure and limitation of PGD (43.3%) and the information of PGD technology (35.0%) should be included as a genetic counseling information. In detail, 51.7% of patients wanted to be counseled for the possibility of unexpected results and the recurrence risk, while 46.7% wanted to know their reproduction options (46.7%). Approximately 96.7% of specialists replied that a non-M.D. genetic counselor is necessary for effective and systematic genetic counseling in PGD because it is difficult for physicians to offer satisfying information to patients due to lack of counseling time and specific knowledge of the disorders. Conclusions: The information from the survey provides important insight into the overall present situation of genetic counseling for PGD in Korea. The survey results demonstrated that there is a general awareness that genetic counseling is essential for PGD, suggesting that appropriate genetic counseling may play a important role in the success of PGD. The establishment of genetic counseling guidelines for PGD may contribute to better planning and management strategies for PGD.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.14-25
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• 2001

Purpose : To determine whether there exist gender differences in pain in Korean cancer patients and whether the depression and performance that are often expressed differently between men and women with cancer interact with pain. Method : The results of survey were collected from 140 in- and out-patients (78 male and 62 female) who had cancer treatment at one of the university hospital in Seoul for four months from February of 1999. The severity and interference of pain were examined with the self-reported survey based on Korean version of Brief Pain Inventory (BPI-K). Demographic and clinical information for all patient were compiled by reviewing their medical records, and the level of depression was examined with the Korean version of Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-K). Usual statistical methods, e.g., frequences, means and SDs were used to characterize the sample. The chi-square tests for categorical data and t-test for numerical data were used for group comparison. And the correlation between variables were performed using Pearson correlation coefficient. Resuts : 1) The mean scores of the worst pain for last 24-hours measured with the pain severity of BPI-K were 5.77 in male and 6.45 in female. The pain interference of BPI-K in men was in the order of mood (5.49), enjoy (5.36), and work (5.00), and in women were work (7.48), enjoy (7.16), and mood (6.53). 2) In pain severity, significant difference was found between men and women in the average pain for last 24-hours (t=-2.130, P=.035). In pain interference, significant difference was found between men and women in activity (t=-2.450, P=.015), mood (t=-2,321, P=.022), walk (t=-2.762, P=.007), work (t=-4.946, P=.000), relate (t=-2.595, P=.010), sleep (t=-2.071, P=.040), enjoy (t=-3.198, P=.001). 3) It was found that the items of pain and depression are significantly correlated in men but not in women. Men also exhibited higher correlation in the items of pain and performance status than women. Conclusions : Women report significantly greater average pain for last 24-hours and for all items of pain interference than men. Pain and depression are significantly correlated in men. The results of this study suggest that gender differences in pain should be considered for planning effective pain management program.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.163-193
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• 1997

Medical services are a fundamental and essential service in all urban areas. The location and accessibility of medical service facilities and institutions are critical to the diagnosis, control and prevention of illness and disease. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study on the location of medical facilities in Kwangju and the utilization of these facilities by the inhabitants. The following information is a summary of the findings: (1) Korea, like many countries, is now witnessing an increase in the age of its population as a result of higher living standards and better medical services. Korea is also experiencing a rapid increase in health care costs. To ensure easy access to medical consultation, diagnosis and treatment by individuals, the hierarchical efficient location of medical facilities, low medical costs, equalized medical services, preventive medical care is important. (2) In Korea, the quality of medical services has improved significantly as evident by the increased number of medical facilities and medical personnel. However, there is still a need for not only quantitative improvements but also for a more equitable distribution of and location of medical services. (3) There are 503 medical facilities in Kwangju each with a need to service 2,556 people. This is below the national average of 1,498 inhabitants per facility. The higher locational quotient and satisfactory population per medical facility showed at the civic center. On the other hand, problem regions such as the traditional residential area in Buk-Gu, Moo-deung mountain area and the outer areas of west Kwangju still maintain rural characteristics. (4) In the study area there are 86 general medicine clinics which provide basic medical services. i. e. one clinic per every 14,949 residents. As a basic service, its higher locational quotient showed in the residential area. The lower population concentration per clinic was found in the civic center and in the former town center, Songjeong-dong. In recently build residential areas and in the civic center, the lack of general medicine clinics is not a serious medical services issue because of the surplus of medical specialists in Korea. People are inclined to seek a consultation with a specialist in specific fields rather than consult a general practitioner. As a result of this phenomenon, there are 81 internal medicine facilities. Of these, 32.1% provide services to people who are not referred by a primary care physician but who self-diagnose then choose a medical facility specializing in what they believe to be their health problem. Areas in the city, called dongs, without any internal facilities make up 50% of the total 101 dongs. (5) There are 78 surgical facilities within the area, and there is little difference at the locational appearance from internal medicine facilities. There are also 71 pediatric health clinics for people under 15 years of age in this area, represents one clinic per 5,063 people. On the quantitative aspect, this is a positive situation. Accessibility is the most important facility choice factor, so it should be evenly located in proportion to demander distribution. However, 61% of 102 dongs have no pediatric clinics because of the uneven location. (6) There are 43 obstetrical and gynecological clinics in Kwangju, and the number of residents being served per clinic is 15,063. These services need to be given regularly so it should increase the numbers. There are 37 ENT clinics in the study area with the lower concentration in Dong-gu (32.4%) making no locational differences by dong. There are 23 dermatology clinics with the largest concentration in Dong-Gu. There are 17 ophthalmic clinics concentrated in the residential area because of the primary function of this type of specialization. (7) The use of general medicine clinics, internal medicine clinics, pediatric clinics, ENT clinics by the inhabitants indicate a trend toward primary or routine medical services. Obstetrics and gynecology clinics are used on a regular basis. In choosing a general medicine clinic, internal medicine clinic, pediatric clinic, and a ENT clinic, accessibility is the key factor while choice of a general hospital, surgery clinic, or an obstetrics and gynecology clinic, thes faith and trust in the medical practitioner is the priority consideration. (8) I considered the efficient use of medical facilities in the aspect of locational and management and suggest the following: First, primary care facilities should be evenly distributed in every area. In Kwangju, the number of medical facilities is the lowest among the six largest cities in Korea. Moreover, they are concentrated in Dong-gu and in newly developed areas. The desired number of medical facilities should be within 30 minutes of each person's home. For regional development there is a need to develop a plan to balance, for example, taxes and funds supporting personnel, equipment and facilities. Secondly, medical services should be co-ordinated to ensure consistent, appropriate, quality services. Primary medical facilities should take charge of out-patient activities, and every effort should be made to standardize and equalize equipment and facility resources and to ensure ongoing development and training in the primary services field. A few specialty medical facilities and general hospitals should establish a priority service for incurable and terminally ill patients. (9) The management scheme for the inhabitants' efficient use of medical service is as follows: The first task is to efficiently manage medical facilities and related services. Higher quality of medical services can be accomplished within the rapidly changing medical environment. A network of social, administrative and medical organizations within an area should be established to promote information gathering and sharing strategies to better assist the community. Statistics and trends on the rate or occurrence of diseases, births, deaths, medical and environment conditions of the poor or estranged people should be maintained and monitored. The second task is to increase resources in the area of disease prevention and health promotion. Currently the focus is on the treatment and care of individuals with illness or disease. A strong emphasis should also be placed on promoting prevention of illness and injury within the community through not only public health offices but also via medical service facilities. Home medical care should be established and medical testing centers should be located as an ordinary service level. Also, reduced medical costs for the physically handicapped, cardiac patients, and mentally ill or handicapped patients should be considered.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.107-126
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• 1991

The purpose of the study was to assess the morbidity pattern and the medical care utilization behavior of the urban residents in the poor area. The study population included 2,591 family members of 677 households in the poor area of Daemyong 8 Dong, Nam-Gu, Taegu and 2,686 family members of 688 households, near the poor area in the same Dong, were interviewed as a control group. On this study the household interview method was applied. Well-trained interviewers visited every household in the designated area and individually interviewed heads of households or housewives for general information, morbidity condition, and medical care utilization with a structured questionnaire. Individuals were interviewed from 1 to 30 December 1988. The major results were summarized as follows : The proportion of the people below 5 years of age was 4.2% of the total study population and 5.5% were above 65 years of age in the poor area. This was slightly higher than in the control area. The average monthly income of a household in the poor area was 403,000 won versus 529,000 won in the control area. Fifty-eight percent of the residents in the poor area and sixty-one percent in the control area were medical security beneficiaries, but the proportion of medical aid beneficiaries was 7.8% in the poor area and 4.6% in the control area. The 15-day period morbidity rate of acute illnesses was 57.1 per 1,000 in the poor area and 24.2 per 1,000 in the control area. Respiratory disease is the most common acute illness in both areas. The most frequently utilized medical facility was the pharmacy among the patients with acute illnesses in the poor area. Among them 58.1% visited pharmacy initially while 38.4% of the patients in the control area visited a clinic. Among persons with illnesses during the 15 days 8.8% in the poor area and 4.6% in the control area did not seek any medical facility. Mean duration of utilization of medical facilities was 3.5 days in the poor area and 3.3 days in the control area. Initially of the medical facilities in Daemyong 8 Dong, The pharmacy in the poor area and the clinic in the control area were most commonly utilized. The most common reason for visiting the hospital was 'regular customers' in the poor area and 'geographical accessibility' in the control area. The one year period morbidity rate of chronic illness in the poor area was 83.0 per 1,000 population and 28.0 per 1,000 in the control area. Disease of nervous system was the most common chronic illness in the poor area while cardiovascular disease in male and gastrointestinal disease in female were most prevalent in the control area. The most frequently utilized medical facility was the pharmacy among the patients with chronic illnesses in the poor area. Among them 24.2% visited the pharmacy initially while 34.7% of the patients in the control area visited the out-patient department of the hospital within a 15-day period. Among the patients with chronic illnesses 34.9% in the poor area and 16.0% in the control area did not seek any medical facility. Mean duration of utilization of medical facilities was 9.2 days in the poor area and 9.9 days in the control area within a 15-day period. Initially of the medical facilities in Daemyong 8 Dong, the pharmacy in the poor area and the hospital in the control area were most commonly utilized. The most common reason for visiting the hospital, clinic, health center or pharmacy in the poor area was 'geographical accessibility' while the reason for visiting herb clinic was 'good result' and 'reputation' in both areas.