• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.626-634
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• 2018

This retrospective study investigates the accuracy of triage procedures for pediatric patients in emergency departments (EDs) using the Korean Triage and Acuity Scale (KTAS). The study includes 250 randomly selected initial nursing records and clinical outcomes of pediatric patients who visited one regional ED or a local ED from October 2016 to September 2017. The collected data were analyzed by a qualified expert to determine the true triage score. The accuracy of triage was defined as the agreement between the triage score of the emergency nurses (ENs) and the true triage score as determined by the expert. Based on expert comments, the cause of the triage error was analyzed and the KTAS score was compared with the discharge, length of stay (LOS), and medical cost. The results showed that the degree of agreement in the triage score between the experts and the ENs was excellent (weighted kappa=0.77). Among the causes of triage discordance, the most frequent was the incorrect application of vital signs to the KTAS algorithm criteria (n=13). Patients with high severity KTAS levels 1 and 2 were discharged less often (${\chi}=43.25$, p<0.001). There were significant differences in the length of stay (F=12.39, p<0.001) and cost (F=11.78, p<0.001) between KTAS scores when adjusting for age. The results of this study indicate that KTAS is highly accurate in EDs. Hence, the newly developed triage tool is becoming well established in Korea.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.611-616
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• 2007

Purpose: The latissimus dorsi muscle flap is a versatile flap used in a variety of reconstructive procedures. The most common complication of LD muscle flap is donor site seroma, reported to occur in 20 to 79 percent of cases. The formation of dead space under the flap is intimately associated with seroma formation. The authors think that the use of progressive tension suture at closing donor site can decrease the formation of dead space and ultimately reduce the incidence of donor site seroma. Methods: A retrospective review was performed with 38 patients who underwent latissimus dorsi muscle harvest for breast reconstruction from March 2003 to September 2004. Progressive tension sutures were used during donor site closure in 22 patients. This group was compared with controls group(16 patients) who underwent latissimus dorsi muscle harvest without using this technique. Operation time, length of hospital stay, period of drainage, complication, and satisfaction about postoperative scar of donor site were examined. Results: The average length of hospital stay was 10.2 days and 12.7 days, and the mean duration of drainage were 7.3 days and 11.7 days in each progressive suture group and control group. These results were statistically significant (p<0.05). In the 22 patients who underwent progressive tension suture, none had seroma, hematoma or skin necrosis. In control group(16 patients), there happened one seroma formation and one partial skin necrosis. These complications were healed by aspiration of seroma and wound revision. The patients' satisfaction was not statistically significant, but the higher points were given by the patients who underwent progressive tension suture. Conclusion: This technique, progressive tension suture, is an effective method to reduce or eliminate donor site seroma, which is the most common complication associated with latissimus dorsi muscle harvest.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.4656-4667
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to investigate relations among the quality of life, health states, physical functions, cognitive functions, and social supports of the elderly at care facilities. The subjects include the elderly that were living in care facilities in some urban areas and aged 65 or older. The data of total 260 old people were used in analysis. Collected data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and stepwise multiple regression. The elderly at care facilities, who were considered as physically and cognitive vulnerable, scored higher means on quality of life when they were satisfied with the length of stay and sleeping state, had higher subjective health states, had no tooth inconvenience and forgetfulness, suffered from a lower level of depression, had better cognitive functions, and received higher social supports. Quality of life had correlations with the sleeping state(r=-.20, p<.001), subjective health state(r=-.24, p<.001)s, depression(r=-.30, p<.001), and social supports(r=.30, p<.001). Social supports(${\beta}=.30$, p<.001), depression(${\beta}=-.25$, p<.001), subjective health states(${\beta}=-.22$, p<.001), length of stay(${\beta}=-.22$, p<.001), and sleeping state(${\beta}=-.12$, p=.025) turned out to predict the quality of life of the elderly at care facilities and have close relations with it. In short, the quality of life of the elderly is related to many different factors at care facilities. The findings indicate that nursing interventions and managements for quality of life require a mental and social approach or a whole person approach with a focus on the understanding of individual senior citizens rather than on physical activities and diseases.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.60-66
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• 2024

Purpose: This study investigated changes in interpersonal violence and utilization of trauma recovery services during the COVID-19 pandemic. At an urban level I trauma center, trauma recovery services (TRS) provide education, counseling, peer support, and coordination of rehabilitation and recovery to address social and mental health needs. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted considerable changes in hospital services and increases in interpersonal victimization. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted between September 6, 2018 and December 20, 2020 for 1,908 victim-of-crime patients, including 574 victims of interpersonal violence. Outcomes included length of stay associated with initial TRS presentation, number of subsequent emergency department visits, number of outpatient appointments, and utilization of specific specialties within the year following the initial traumatic event. Results: Patients were primarily female (59.4%), single (80.1%), non-Hispanic (86.7%), and Black (59.2%). The mean age was 33.0 years, and 247 patients (49.2%) presented due to physical assault, 132 (26.3%) due to gunshot wounds, and 76 (15.1%) due to sexual assault. The perpetrators were primarily partners (27.9%) or strangers (23.3%). During the study period, 266 patients (mean, 14.9 patients per month) presented before the declaration of COVID-19 as a national emergency on March 13, 2020, while 236 patients (mean, 25.9 patients per month) presented afterward, representing a 74.6% increase in victim-of-crime patients treated. Interactions with TRS decreased during the COVID-19 period, with an average of 3.0 interactions per patient before COVID-19 versus 1.9 after emergency declaration (P<0.01). Similarly, reductions in length of stay were noted; the pre-COVID-19 average was 3.6 days, compared to 2.1 days post-COVID-19 (P=0.01). Conclusions: While interpersonal violence increased, TRS interactions decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting interruption of services, COVID-19 precautions, and postponement/cancellation of elective visits. Future direction of hospital policy to enable resource and service delivery to this population, despite internal and external challenges, appears warranted.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.10 no.3
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• pp.207-218
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to provide preliminary data for political measures to minimize the variations by understanding the regional variations and trends of hospital services for heart diseases, and analyzing the factors that could occur any variations. The various data collected from nation-wide inpatient services conducted separately by small region show that there have been some differences in income level, supply of medical resources, standardized rate of hospitalization by sex and age, health level in the residence, and the length of stay per head. Then it indicated that the number of special medical equipment per 10,000 people and the rate of vigorous physical activity have the highest influence over the regional variations in using hospital services. On the other hand, the number of sick-beds per 10,000 people, the number of special medical equipment, and the present smoking rate have significant degree of influence on the length of stay per head. Thus, it is imperative for the authorities to set aside health promoting policies and to distribute the medical resources equitably throughout the country and to enhance the accessibility of local residents to the health care services.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.32-45
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• 2000

Background : Critical pathway is an optional sequencing and timing of interventions by physicians, nurses, and other staff for a particular diagnosis or procedure, designed to minimize delays and resource utilization, and to maximize quality of care; abbreviated versions of case management plans that show critical outcome and key incidents that occur in a predictable and timely fashion to achieve an appropriate length of stay. This study is to develop a critical pathway for vaginal delivery and cesarean section to assess the degree of contentment of the patients and medical personnel and to implement clinical application to see how we could meet the need to guide patients to achieve continuum of care. Method : Critical pathways were developed for normal vaginal delivery and casarean section. LOS(length of stay) target for vaginal delivery was 1 day after delivery & 5 days after C-section. It was distributed to the mother at the OPD and explained thoroughly. It was applied when patients got into the Labor & Delivery Floor. We applied total of 42 patients (30 normal deliveries & 12 C-sections) from February to March, 2000. We performed patient satisfaction survey to all 42 patients, 24 nurses, and 7 residents for internal customer satisfaction. Results : Twenty six patients out of 42 responded to the survey. Twenty one patients out of 26 answered satisfactory. Eighty four percent of 21 respondents replied Critical pathway worked very well. Treatment column got the most compliance. Eleven out of 31 employees thought critical pathway is very helpful for the patient care. Eighteen people didn't see any difference. In their opinion, treatment got the least compliance, which is the contrary to patients opinion. Fifty eight percent of respondents thought that critical pathway can expedite early discharge. Conclusion : Patient satisfaction was higher than we expected but we still need to revise the form. It is recommended to analyze the cost and variance check in the future.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.66 no.1
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• pp.27-32
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• 2009

Background: The management of patients with lung cancer has improved recently, and many of them will require admission to the medical intensive care unit (MICU). The aim of this study was to examine the clinical characteristics and to identify risk factors for mortality in patients with lung cancer admitted to the MICU. Methods: We conducted retrospective analysis on 88 patients with lung cancer admitted to the MICU between April 2004 and March 2008. Results: Of the 88 patients (mean age, 66 years), 71 patients (80.7%) had non-small cell lung cancer and 17 patients (19.3%) had small cell lung cancer. Distant metastasis were present in 79 patients (89.8%). The main reasons for MICU admission were acute respiratory failure (77.3%), sepsis (11.4%), and central nervous system dysfunction (4.5%). Mechanical ventilation was used in 54 patients (61.4%). Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, length of MICU stay, need for mechanical ventilation, source of MICU admission were correlated with MICU mortality. The type of lung cancer and metastasis were not predictive factors of death in MICU. Conclusion: Most common reason for ICU admission was acute respiratory failure. Mortality rate of lung cancer patients admitted to the MICU was 65.9%. APACHE II score, length of ICU stay, need for mechanical ventilation, source of MICU admission were predicted factors of death in the MICU.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.365-370
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• 2007

Purpose: There are many reports about facial bone fractures, but limited to retrospective data of a single hospital. Etiology and severity of the facial bone fracture have been changed and treatment method and materials have been advanced. In order to reflect those changes and provide up-to-date data of the facial bone fractures in Daegu, we gathered the data and analyzed the epidemiologic study. Methods: The medical records of 1058 fractures in 895 patients were gathered from 5 general hospitals in Daegu during last year and these data were analyzed by following parameters: age, sex, place of residence, occupation, cause of injury, time of injury, location of fracture, length of in-hospital stay, time of operation, treatment method, associated injury, complication. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. Results: Most commonly involved age group was 20s(26%) and the sex ratio was 3.4:1(male predominance). Fractures were occurred more in unban and white-color workers. Among variable etiology of injury, traffic accident was the most common cause. Time of injury was heighest at 6 to 7 P.M., on Sunday, in July. Locations of fractures were following sequence: nasal, zygoma, mandible, orbit, maxilla. Mean length of in-hospital stay and time of operation after injury were 6.3 and 3.2 days, respectively. In treatment methods, operative methods were dominant than conservative management and general anesthesia were favored than local anesthesia. Associated injuries were noticed in 188 cases(21.2%) and complications were in 94 cases(8.9%) and among them, ocular problem were common. Conclusion: Compared to previous studies, mean age of occurrence was lowered and the etiologies showed age-specific pattern and reflected the change of lifestyle. In young age groups, sports injury, violence were more dominant and the other hand, traffic accident and fall were dominant in older groups.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2007

Background: Pleural effusion develops in approximately 40% of pneumonia patients. In 5-10% of these cases, it progresses to complicated parapneumonic effusion (CPPE) or empyema that requires drainage. The prognostic factors of CPPE and empyema remain to be clarified. We examined the treatment outcomes of CPPE and empyema and elucidating their prognostic factors. Methods: One hundred and fifteen patients with CPPE or empyema, who were diagnosed and treated in Kyungpook National University Hospital (Daegu, Korea) between September 2001 and December 2005, were retrospectively analyzed. All the data was acquired from their chart review, and regarding treatment results, the time to defervescence and the length of hospital stay were analyzed. Results: The treatment was successful in 101 patients with a success rate of 87.8%. Multivariate analysis showed the level of pleural fluid lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to be a significant prognostic factor (odds ratio [OR] 7.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.63 to 33.37; p=0.009). Pussy pleural fluid (r=0.236; p=0.01) and the frequency of urokinase use (r=0.257; p=0.01) correlated with the time to defervescence. However, there was no clinical factor that correlated with the length of hospital stay. Conclusion: The pleural fluid LDH level is a useful prognostic factor for monitoring treatment results of CPPE and empyema.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.1010-1020
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• 2014

This study intended to compare and analyze the difference between resilience and academic stress of juveniles depending on having experience in participating in the camp, and furthermore, to analyze how the camping participation degree of juveniles affect resilience and academic stress. To do so, this study selected teenagers as a population among camping ground users located in Chungcheong and Kyunggi region in 2014, sampled out total 300 participants of 150 camping participants and 150 non-participants using purposive sampling method, then selected final 295 subjects for the final analysis. Validity and credibility of questionnaire were verified through factor analysis and reliability analysis. For data processing, the t-test and multiple regression analysis were used using SPSSWIN 18.00 program. Conclusions are as follows. First, the camp participant group of juveniles showed higher resilience than the non-participant group. Secondly, it was identified that among camping participation degree of juveniles, the resilience of positivity decreased when the length of stay was longer. Thirdly, the camp participant group of juveniles showed lower academic stress than the non-participant group, but did not who significant difference statistically. Fourthly, the school record stress and assignment stress decreased when the participation degree, the length of stay, among camping participation degree of juveniles was longer. Fifthly, it was identified that the better the resilience strengthened by participating in the camp, the academic stress decreased.