A Preliminary Study to Determine Comprehensive Research and Development Plans for Promoting Mental Health Services

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze research and development projects in mental health services in Korea, using priority evaluation of mental health promotion policies to determine direction of the service. METHODS: An online survey was conducted that targeted experts in the mental health service regarding promotion of mental health in Korea in 2016. The survey was based on 32 policy projects that resulted from 12 strategies according to 4 policy objectives. RESULTS: Analysis of 32 mental health projects were assessed regarding the possibility of technology development success, magnitude of the ripple effect, and necessity of a national response. It was observed that 3 policy projects relevant to suicide, had a high relative priority. This was followed by policies for improvement of health insurance and the medical benefit cost system, and policies for reinforcement of crisis psychological support such as those for disaster victims. CONCLUSION: The prioritization of mental health services should place an emphasis on promotion of a healthy mental lifestyle, rehabilitation support for patients with serious mental illness, and reinforcement of social safety networks for suicide prevention.

Reliability and Validity of the Korean version of Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale (RCB-K). METHODS: Participants (n=598) included patients recruited through an online panel survey. For the semantic adaptation step, the scale was translated into Korean and then back-translated to English by one psychologist, one public health professional, one psychiatrist who could speak both Korean and English, and one professional translator, without communication between those involved. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to test whether the factor structure of the RCB-K was consistent with the English version. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the RCB-K scores with those of other scales (i.e., O'Guinn & Faber's Compulsive Buying Scale, Problem Gambling Inventory). RESULTS: The factor structure of the RCB-K was consistent with the two-factor structure established for the original RCB. Cronbach's α was high (0.906), indicating that the reliabilities of the items in each subscale were satisfactory. The RCB-K score was significantly correlated with those for the O'Guinn & Faber's Compulsive Buying Scale (r=0.7) and the Problem Gambling Inventory (r=0.422). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that the RCB-K is an effective and valid scale for evaluating the severity of compulsive buying. The findings suggest that the RCB-K is a promising assessment tool for use in the treatment and study of online compulsive buying behavior.

Effects of Sequential Application of Superficial Cold and Heat on Pain, Patient Satisfaction with Pain Control, Comfort Level and Subjective Response after Spine Surgery / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The aims of the current study were to evaluate the effects of superficial cold and heat after spine surgery on pain, satisfaction with pain control and comfort level, and to identify subjective responses and adverse effects. METHODS: A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was utilized. The intervention group (n=36) received superficial cooling until the wound drain was removed and thereafter followed by superficial heating until discharge, while the control group (n=34) received only superficial cooling until wound drain was removed. Data were collected from August 4 to November 11 2014. RESULTS: There was significant difference in pain according to time within groups (F=71.87, p<.001). However, we found no difference in pain between groups. The intervention group reported higher patient satisfaction with pain control (4 vs 3, z=-2.83, p=.005) and higher comfort level (5 vs 4, z=-4.12, p<.001) than the control group. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that sequential application of superficial cold and heat is a useful method in clinical practice for management of pain after spine surgery.

The Impact of Upper Limb Dysfunctions on Quality of Life in Patients with Breast Cancer

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the type of upper limb dysfunctions and to determine major dysfunctions influencing on the quality of life (QoL) in the early phase after mastectomy. METHOD: Among the female patients with mastectomy after diagnosed as breast cancer followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, 38 patients who had shoulder pain or arm edema were selected. Visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at rest and during activity, range of motion of shoulder and arm circumference were measured. Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Short form-36 v2 questionnaire were used to assess the functional disability and health-related QoL. RESULTS: Lymphedema (31.6%), limitation of motion (31.6%) and shoulder pain (26.3%) were major dysfunctions. Patients who had limited motion showed more severe dysfunctions. The cases with shoulder pain showed low level of QoL in mental component. VAS during activity and activity of daily living (ADL) domain of DASH were major impact factors on QoL related to physical functioning. In mental component, social domain of DASH was the most influencing factor on QoL. CONCLUSION: Pain during activity, limited ADL and social activity were major problems lowering QoL in patients with breast cancer. The proper managements for these problems is needed.

Comparative Results of Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy and Vaginal Hysterectomy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of a method of assigning patients to a vaginal or laparoscopically assisted vaginal approach to hysterectomy. METHOD: Hysterectomy is the most common gynecologic operation. A clinical evaluation was attempted to analyze 100 cases of LAVH which was performed at St. Paul hospital from May 1997 to March 2000, and to compare them with 100 cases of vaginal hysterectomy at the same hospital. we used simple electrosurgical technique without using the disposable staples and other instruments. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients for LAVH was 46.18 years and that of VTH was 50.23 years. The most common indication for LAVH and VTH was Myoma uteri. The mean Hb change in LAVH was 2.15 and the Hb change of VTH was 2.17. The mean operative time of LAVH was 142.96 minutes and that of VTH was 77.06 minutes. The mean weight of uterus for LAVH was 221g and the mean weight of VTH was 182 g. The total percentage of urinary tract injury for LAVH was 3 % and that for VTH was 2 %. CONCLUSION: VTH, if possible, must be considered as a primary choice since it is were efficient than LAVH in cost, cosmetic aspects and complications. Further LAVH may be replaced with a laparotomy for hysterectomy in case of an insufficient operational experience, a previous abdominal operation hystory and the incapability of being indicated for VTH.