• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.446-451
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• 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate different attitudes of officers depending on system of collaborative practice between traditional Korean medicine and western medicine. A total of 103 officials were surveyed using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, ${\chi}^2$ test with the SPSS program. Use of oriental medicine clinic was significantly higher and use of general hospitals was significantly lower in a group of users (p=.021). Higher rates of disease status were found in a group of users (p=.024). 'Overcome limits of Traditional Korean Medicine and Western Medicine' and 'collaborative practice would bring benefits' as the reasons of using collaborative practice between Traditional Korean Medicine and Western Medicine showed higher rates (p<.001). It showed high interests in collaborative practice between Traditional Korean Medicine and Western Medicine in two groups, but higher rates of prospect of collaborative practice between Traditional Korean Medicine and Western Medicine revitalization were found in the group of users. Also, more than 60% of the officers showed positive attitudes in the system of the collaborative practice. Therefore, correct researches on actual conditions about collaborative practice between Korean and Western Medicine and positive and negative aspects of this collaborative practice pointed by candidates need to be considered in order to improve candidates' health condition.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.211-228
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• 2013

Objectives : This report describes the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of Collaborative Practice between Korean Traditional Medicine and Western Medicine for two dementia patients. Furthermore, through these cases, we suggest a model of collaborative practice between Korean traditional medicine and western medicine for the treatment of dementia. Methods : Two patients suffering from several symptoms related to dementia received collaborative practice between Korean traditional medicine and western medicine. Physicians of deparment which paient first visit interviewed patient and patient's guardians, discussed the symptoms and the status of the patient. Since then, the medical team made a differential diagnosis based on the results of brain imaging, hematology, urine test. and apprehended the status of dementia by the neuropsychological test. Korean traditional physicians examined the physical symptoms and identified the pattern of dementia in Korean traditional medicine. Following this, they decided on the method of acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping and herbal treatment. Western physicians decided on the type of medication after consideration of the patient's other medical conditions. Every intervention was decided by both Korean traditional physicians and western physicians after discussion. The medical team provided education on dementia and counseled the guardians. They also wrote the paper for using the long-term care insurance for the aged. Results : Two patients showed no improvement on the neuropsychologic and activity of daily living tests. However, the patients' subjective physical symptoms were improved. The collaborative practice between Korean traditional medicine and western medicine improved the patients' and guardians' satisfaction. Conclusions : Through these cases, we propose a model of collaborative practice between Korean traditional medicine and western medicine for dementia categorized diagnosis-test, treatment, prevention, management. More specifically, we supplement qigong and psychotherapy which was inadequate in these cases.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.49-68
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• 2012

Objectives : Recently, the elderly population and dementia prevalence have been rapidly increasing in Korea. Dementia is a concept of syndrome composed of characteristic symptoms. However, there have been no approved treatments for dementia with proven efficacy. Therefore, we investigated Korean traditional treatment being used in clinic and collaborative practice for dementia in the professional group. Methods : We conducted a survey using questionnaires to professors of oriental neuropsychiatry for a month. Items of the questionnaire consisted of overall Korean traditional medical treatment for dementia, which included herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, psychotherapy and others. Results : 1. It was shown that Yukmijihwangtanggamibang, Jowiseungcheongtang, Seonghyangjeonggisan have been used the most in herbal medicine. 2. Chechim, Saamchimbeop, and scalp acupuncture have been used the most in acupuncture treatment. 3. In Korean traditional psychotherapy, Ijeongbyeongi, Jieongoronyobeop, Gigongyobeop have been used, and effective in anxiety, agitation, improvement of comprehension for caregiver and environment. 4. Most professors answered that collaborative practice between Korean traditional medicine and western medicine has been needed for dementia. They suggested that herbal medicine, followed by acupuncture, and moxibustion can be used with western medicine simultaneously. Conclusions : The survey revealed that professors use herbal medicine and acupuncture as main treatments for dementia. They share perspective regarding the need of long period to treat dementia patients, and there are needs of collaborative practice for dementia.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.129-146
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• 2009

Background and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to explore the attitude of workers toward a system of collaborative hospital practice between western and traditional Korean medicine, to identify factors influencing this attitude, and discuss the reasons socioeconomic groups' differences. Method: The data were collected with a questionnaire for this study from 14 April 2009 to 1 May 2009. Data were analyzed mainly via non-parametric statistics and logistic regressions utilising SPSS 17.0 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) to determine the workers' attitude about the hospital system and to predict factors contributing to positive attitudes. Results: A total of 1,260 workers working for large factories in Gwangju Metropolitan City. Findings confirmed that more than 40% of the workers show interest in the system and about 44% of the workers also express positive attitudes. Factors found to influence the workers' response included marital status, income level, health status, experience in complementary medicine services, the number of health care facilities' visit. Conclusions: The prospects to establish the system of collaborative hospital practice as reflected by the workers' view about the Korean health care service delivery system. Their attitudes toward the system differed among socioeconomic groups. Government and health care providers should identify the socioeconomic subgroups' demands and opinions in order to find and develop measures of integrating western and traditional Korean medicine in health care facilities.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.83-99
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• 2011

Objective : To explore and describe coordinators' experiences in collaborative practices between the traditional Korean medicine doctors and the western medicine doctors. Methods : Five coordinators who agreed and completed the informed consent to take part in this qualitative study were interviewed thoroughly and tape-recorded. Transcribed data were analysed thematically with ground theory. Results : Most participants started their coordinating work without sufficient knowledge and systemic support. They, however, could find their identity as coordinators for collaborative practices through preparing manuals and protocols, providing comprehensive patients care, and experiencing the partnership with doctors. To coordinate Korean medicine and western medicine practices efficiently, participants have tried to enhance their professional knowledge and skills, and establish favorable networks. On the other hand, they were in dilemmas of being a multi-player and imbalance of responsibilities and powers in their jobs. Conclusions : It is recommended to clarify job description of coordinator for collaborative practices, develop training programme, and provide the institutional support for wider recognition of coordinator. Findings from this study should be considered in both Korean medicine-western medicine collaborative research and practice.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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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.