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Purpose: This study was conducted to confirm the provision standards and appropriateness of functional recovery training services performed on residents in long-term care facilities. Methods: Twenty-eight service providers working in four long-term care facilities applied the functional recovery training services to 63 older residents for 15 days, integrating them with their existing daily tasks. The contents recorded by the service providers on checklists were analyzed, and the experiences of applying functional recovery training services by the service providers were examined through focus group interviews. Results: Training for activities of daily living, excluding bathing, five items such as dressing and undressing are performed 2 to 4 times per day. The duration for one session is approximately 16 minutes for meals, around 10 minutes for bathing, and about 5 to 7 minutes for the remaining activities. Movement and walking training, covering five items like standing, occurs 2 to 3 times per day, with session durations ranging from 3 to 10 minutes. Physical activity training is conducted 1 to 2 times per day, with each session lasting about 5 to 7 minutes. Cognitive activity training is performed 1 to 2 times per day, with each session lasting approximately 4 to 7 minutes. Conclusion: For functional recovery training to be established in long-term care facilities, it is crucial to share an accurate understanding of the concept of training. Prior to the provision of training services, appropriate personnel such as nurses need to comprehensively assess the individuals and plan the training accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Social support is essential for postpartum well-being, but little is known about the postpnatal social support preferred by primiparous women. This study aimed to comprehensively understand and describe the meaning of postnatal social support experience in primiparous women. Methods: The participants were seven primiparous women who were within 1 year after childbirth, recruited through purposive and snowball sampling from an online parenting community. The data were collected through in-depth interviews from November 14 to 28, 2022. Participants were interviewed face-to-face or via phone or online platform, according to their choice. Colaizzi's phenomenological qualitative research method was applied to analyze the meaning of the participants' experience. Results: Five theme clusters and fourteen themes were identified from the data. The five theme clusters are as follows: (1) Shortcomings of the childbirth and postpartum care system I learned through my experience; (2) Government policies focusing on childbirth and child-rearing rather than postpartum recovery; (3) Driving force of postpartum recovery: Shared childbirth process; (4) Childcare on my own; and (5) Conflicted between being a stay-at-home mom and a working mom under inadequate maternity protection policies. Conclusion: Despite postpartum support from the government that was perceived as inadequate, first-time mothers regained confidence and motivation for parenting with the help of family, peers, and social networks. First-time mothers need support from professionals and reliable online communities for postpartum recovery and parenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tillaux fractures, a rare type corresponding to Salter-Harris type 3, are observed in approximately 3% of pediatric ankle fractures. They are known to occur primarily via a supination-external rotation mechanism. Maisonneuve fractures, on the other hand, are proximal fibula fractures involving injury on syndesmosis, deltoid ligament, or medial malleolus fracture, occurring via a pronation-external rotation mechanism. These two types of fractures occur through different mechanisms of injury. In this study, a nine-year-old female pediatric patient presented to the outpatient department with ankle pain following a fall from a trampoline and was diagnosed with concurrent Tillaux-like fracture and Maisonneuve fractures. Surgical treatment was performed, resulting in successful recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to identify the incidence rate of post-coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) conditions in the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army and to investigate the trend of the incidence rate according to changes in dominant variants. Methods: We used the results of a 19-item, self-completed survey of those who had recovered from COVID-19 in the ROK Army between March 24, 2020, and April 30, 2022. We used both descriptive and multiple logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with the incidence rate of post-COVID-19 conditions. Results: Among the total of 48,623 COVID-19 episodes in the ROK Army, the overall incidence rate of post- COVID-19 conditions was 32.9%. Based on the survey, the incidence of cough was the highest at 15.4%, followed by fatigue (15.1%) and sputum (13.8%). The delta variant had the highest incidence rate of post- COVID-19 conditions at 50.7%, whereas the omicron variant had the lowest at 19.7%. Concerning the type of post-COVID-19 condition, the neuropsychiatric symptoms had the highest incidence at 27.4% when the delta variant was dominant, and the respiratory symptoms were highest at 37.3% when the omicron variant was dominant. In the case of smell and taste symptoms, the incidence rate was high at 21.1% only when the delta variant was predominant. Conclusion: The overall incidence rate of post-COVID-19 conditions in the ROK Army was 32.9%. When the delta variant was dominant, the overall incidence as well as the proportion of neuropsychiatric symptoms were high. However, as the omicron variant became dominant, the overall incidence decreased, but the proportion of respiratory symptoms increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Among many diseases associated with shoulder pain, rotator cuff tear with and without arthritis accounts for most of the surgical cases. We aimed to briefly review the arthroscopic surgical treatment and prognosis for rotator cuff tears. Current Concepts: Traditionally, rotator cuff tears have been treated using open surgery; however, with the development of arthroscopic surgery, the arthroscopic suture method has been preferred. Nevertheless, in cases of partial rotator cuff tears exceeding more than 50% of the total thickness and not responding to conservative treatment for longer than 6 months, surgical treatment is considered. In cases of complete rotator cuff tears, in addition to the preoperative factors, the amount of tension applied to the suture site at the time of surgery and force coupling recovery of the rotator cuff are important factors for successful arthroscopic suturing. Furthermore, various methods such as patch augmentation using human dermis or bone marrow stimulation have been utilized to increase the success rate of sutures in extensive rotator cuff tears. Even after cuff repair, appropriate rehabilitation and pain control are important for optimal outcomes. Superior capsule reconstruction has gained substantial attention since it was first reported; however, further studies on its feasibility, indications, and outcomes are warranted. Discussion and Conclusion: We reviewed the arthroscopic surgical treatment and prognosis for rotator cuff tears. The study reveals that the prognosis can be improved if the treatment is tailored to the individual patient's environment or situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lateral compartment syndrome of the lower leg is rarely observed. Hence, there may be difficulty in diagnosis as its clinical patterns are different and more complicated than usual. We report two rare cases of a 20-year-old and a 28-year-old diagnosed with isolated lateral compartment syndrome who had either a surgical or conservative treatment. The comparison was done by analyzing the progression of neurological manifestation, electromyography, and nerve conduction study for two years. In the final follow-up, the patient who underwent the surgical treatment showed a shorter recovery time. However, both patients showed a full recovery from neurologic deficits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to understand the care experiences of the family of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) patients where the donation had occurred within the family. Methods: Participants were eight family caregivers who cared for recipients and donors of LDLT. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews from November, 2020 to April, 2021. Data analysis was performed through a cyclical process of data collection and analysis by applying Giorgi's phenomenological research method. Results: The five main components extracted from the experiences of the family caregivers were: "A double-edged choice to save the family", "The harsh daily life of liver transplantation care", "The yoke of double care on both shoulders", "The power to withstand the adversity of caring", and "The recovery and growth of life pursued by trusting each other". Conclusion: The participants tried to do their best in their daily lives, while providing reassurance and care to the LDLT patients in the family; however, they expressed some worry and hardship while doing so. The results of this study provide a deeper understanding of the caring experience of the family caregivers, which may contribute to the development of nursing interventions that will aid these caregivers in providing care to their LDLT family members. Furthermore, the development and application of an integrated management program for LDLT patients in the family is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to obtain a deep understanding of experiences of stigma among people infected with COVID-19 in South Korea. Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews from March 2021 to November 2021 with nine people who had been infected with COVID-19. The data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Results: Six theme clusters emerged from participants' stigma experiences: "I've become the coronavirus itself", "a desperate defense to protect myself", "pointing a finger at oneself", "a scapegoat for the public interest", "the aftereffects caused by social prejudice" and "an isolated loner". Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that people infected with COVID-19 suffered considerable emotional distress and were hindered in their daily life recovery due to stigma. Based on this study, medical staff who treat patients infected with COVID-19 should understand their stigma in depth and strive to develop and implement the necessary instruments and nursing intervention programs to reduce this stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study discovered a substantive theory of the experience and process of peer support work among people with mental ill-ness. Methods: The participants were members of community-based mental health facilities and had been working as peer supporters for more than six months. The data were collected through in-depth interviews with twelve participants and analyzed using Corbin and Strauss's grounded theory approach. Results: The core category was "becoming a healer going with patients in the journey of recovery," and the core phenomenon was "identity confusion as a peer supporter." The causal conditions were "starting peer support work without certainty" and "standing at the boundary between the therapist and patient." The intervening conditions were "willingness to become a successful peer supporter," "feeling a sense of homogeneity with the patient," "accepting the mental illness," and "support from people around." The action and interaction strategies were "letting go of greed," "being open about oneself," "developing professional skills," "maintaining wellness in the body and mind," and "being with the patient." The consequences were "becoming a useful person," "changing attitude toward life," "expansion of the sense of self-existence," "recovering from mental illness," and "discovering a role as peer sup-porter." Finally, the substantive theory of "becoming a healer going with patients in the journey of recovery" was derived. Conclusion: This study provides a holistic understanding of peer support work and the implications of interventions to help people with mental illness in a person-centered recovery process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) is the second-generation treatment of varicose veins in the lower extremities. It has overcome the shortcomings of the first-generation treatment of high ligation and stripping. Further, it is the basis for the development of the third-generation treatment with endovenous glue ablation. It is currently recommended as the first-line treatment for varicose veins accompanied by great saphenous vein incompetence. Current Concepts: EVTA involves obliterating the varicosed veins by applying thermal energy to blood or vein wall. It can be performed by laser or radiofrequency ablation methods, under local anesthesia. The treatment results are excellent and show lesser pain and faster recovery compared to the first-generation treatment. However, complications include endovenous heat-induced thrombosis, deep vein thrombosis, ecchymosis, and phlebitis. Discussion and Conclusion: To enhance the therapeutic effect and reduce the complications of EVTA, sufficient tumescent anesthesia, a controlled number of firing in radiofrequency ablation, and use of the novel highwavelength laser and a radial catheter tip in endovenous laser ablation are recommended. In addition, proficiency in other generations of varicose vein treatments could help in various situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Spinal fusion is a common procedure that provides spinal stability by connecting vertebral segments using a bone graft. Because the spinal alignment is fixed permanently after spinal fusion, a mal-aligned fusion can produce iatrogenic spinal deformity and imbalance with significant disability. Current Concepts: Failure to restore adequate segmental lordosis in lumbar spinal fusion is a common cause of iatrogenic spine deformity. Local and regional spinal deformities can affect the global alignment; accordingly, spinal imbalance can occur when the compensation mechanisms fail. Diagnosis and surgical planning should be made on a thorough analysis of global and spinopelvic parameters on the standing whole-spine radiographs. Surgical treatment includes neural decompression, spinal fusion, and deformity correction. Spinal osteotomy provides a favorable surgical outcome, although the complication rate is high. Discussion and Conclusion: Iatrogenic spine deformity is increasing due to the increased occurrence of spinal fusion surgery. To prevent iatrogenic spine deformity, the index fusion surgery should be performed based on a comprehensive analysis of spinopelvic alignment and balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surgical repair of an Achilles tendon acute rupture is a proven, traditional treatment for optimal functional recovery. However, concerns regarding complications such as re-rupture, wound problems and infections are driving new techniques, including minimally invasive approaches and nonoperative treatments. If we understand the characteristics and contemplate treatment strategies for possible complications, the surgical repair of the Achilles tendon is an attractive option and can be expected to yield satisfactory functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surgical repair of an Achilles tendon acute rupture is a proven, traditional treatment for optimal functional recovery. However, concerns regarding complications such as re-rupture, wound problems and infections are driving new techniques, including minimally invasive approaches and nonoperative treatments. If we understand the characteristics and contemplate treatment strategies for possible complications, the surgical repair of the Achilles tendon is an attractive option and can be expected to yield satisfactory functional recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced age is a well-known risk factor for spinal surgery-related complications. Decisions on spine surgery in the elderly are difficult due to higher morbidity and mortality than in younger age groups. In addition, spine surgery is a kind of 'functional surgery' which does not directly affect the survival of patients. In recent years, individualized risk stratification has gained ground over simple chronological age-based assessment. In the elderly, frailty is one of the strongest factors which affect surgical outcomes for both cervical and thoracolumbar spine surgery, regardless of the surgical technique used. Spine surgery in the elderly have worse surgical outcomes in terms of duration of hospital stay, degree of functional recovery, and complication, readmission, and mortality rates. However, the benefit of spine surgery even in the very-elderly is substantial. In conclusion, surgical decisions should be made based on both personalized risk assessment and benefits of surgery. Recent advanced surgical techniques such as minimally invasive surgical techniques and robotics assistance are likely to be helpful in minimizing surgical complications. Therefore, advanced age in itself should not be considered as a contraindication for spine surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In clinical practice, recurrent Achilles ruptures have been noted to occurr at the original ruptured site. However, reports of new developed fresh rupture of the Achilles tendon in other sites are is extremely rare. Our report is about one uncommon case of a traumatic calcaneal tuberosity avulsion fracture following augmented repair, which was performed using the Krackow locking loop technique. We performed open reduction and intra-osseous fixation using a suture anchor. This procedure was done through the primary longitudinal incision for the calcaneal avulsion fracture fragment. After 6 months of follow-up, our patient has achieved a complete functional recovery and he can normally perform daily and work-related tasks without pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program for colorectal cancer surgery patients. Methods: This program was developed using ADDIE model. It includes preoperative care (counseling, encouraging liquid food intake, avoiding mechanical bowel preparation, encouraging sips of water up to two hours before surgery) and postoperative care (removal of Foley catheter the day after surgery, water intake after three days, beginning liquid diet intake after four days, a soft diet after five days, supplementing high carbohydrate drinks beginning three days after surgery, and early mobilization on the day of surgery). An experimental group of 15 patients in the ERAS program (July 1, 2017-March 31, 2018) and a control group of 24 patients in the existing program (July 1, 2016-March 31, 2017) were compared. Date was analyzed using independent t-test, x2 test, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The time before beginning the soft diet was significantly shorter in the ERAS group than the control group (U=56.00, p<.001). The hospital stay length was significantly decreased in the ERAS group (9.53±1.35) compared to the control group (13.29±4.57) (U=72.50, p=.002). No significant differences emerged in frequencies of postoperative bowel function recovery, complications, or readmission. Conclusion: Although the recommendations of the traditional ERAS were not fully applied in this ERAS program, it offers improved clinical outcomes for patients with laparoscopic colon cancer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study analyzed the clinical and radiological results of Reudi-Allgower type II and III open tibia pilon fracture patients who underwent plate fixation after the recovery of a soft tissue injury after external fixation. Materials and Methods: From 2010 to 2015, this study analyzed 14 patients who were treated for open tibial pilon fractures and could be followed up at least one year. The mean age was 49 years and the average follow-up period was 19 months. An emergency operation was performed for external fixation and open wounds, and secondary surgery was performed for definitive fixation using a plate. The radiological and clinical evaluations were analyzed retrospectively. Complications, such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis and wound infections were also analyzed. Results: The mean duration between two-staged surgery was 21 days and the mean bone union time was 9.2 months. Three cases of delayed union and one case of nonunion were reported. The malunion did not occur in all cases. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 68 points. A limitation of the ankle motion occurred in all cases. In four cases, wound infections due to initial open wounds occurred; one patient underwent a below the knee amputation due to chronic osteomyelitis. Post-traumatic arthritis occurred in 10 cases. Conclusion: Severe comminuted tibial plateau open fractures of Reudi-Allgower type II and III, which are high-energy injuries that result in extensive soft tissue damage, have a higher incidence of complications, such as ulcer problems and osteomyelitis, than closed tibia plateau fractures. Post-traumatic arthritis is the most common complication of tibia plateau open fractures, and staged surgery is recommended because of the relatively satisfactory clinical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the essence and meaning of the experience of cancer patients receiving spiritual nursing. Methods: Data were collected by in-depth individual interviews with participants from April to June, 2019. Eight patients from a single Christian hospital participated in this study. Cyclical data collection and analysis were conducted by Collaizzi's phenomenological method. Results: The experience of cancer patients receiving spiritual nursing consisted of four themes: strange spiritual nursing faced with longing, unexpected changes in me, spiritual sympathy leading to trust, and transition to spiritual recovery. Conclusion: This study provided an in-depth understanding of the changes cancer patients experience through spiritual nursing interventions. Efforts should be made to verify the effectiveness of this study by developing and applying education programs that can enhance the spiritual nursing capabilities of nurses to better approach cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thermotherapy on gas pain, post-operative resilience, and body temperature discomfort among patients who received laparoscopic myomectomies. Methods: The experimental group consisted of 62 patients with thermotherapy and the control group consisted of 60 patients. Thermotherapy was applied individually to the experimental group four hours after surgery. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, χ² - tests, and repeated measures of analysis of variance, using IBM SPSS Statistics version 18. Results: The results showed no significant interaction effect between the group and time of measurement in gas-related pain in the experimental group. For gas-related pain, there was significant difference in right shoulder pain at 24 hours (t=-4.222, p=.000), 48 hours (t=-3.688, p=.000), 72 hours (t=-2.250, p=.028), and left at 24 hours (t=-3.727, p=.000), 48 hours (t=-4.150, p=.000), and 72 hours (t=-2.482, p=.016) and both shoulders at 24 hours (t=-2.722, p=.009) and 48 hours (t=-2.525, p=.014). There was no significant difference in epigastric pain, excluding both epigastric pain at 48 hours (t=2.908, p=.005), 72 hours (t=3.010, p=.004), but there was a significant difference in objective body temperature discomfort (t=2.895, p=.008). Conclusion: Thermotherapy relieved shoulder gas-related pain and objective body temperature discomfort. It needs to be developed and applied to improve post-operative discomfort in patients with laparoscopic hysterectomies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3rd degree burn on the heel including the Achilles tendon is vulnerable and requires active treatment to improve the functional outcomes. Previously, there have been a few treatments on severe burns, such as amputation, debridement or simple skin graft. The cooperative technique of an anterior lateral thigh flap with Achilles tendon reconstruction can be an innovative procedure that preserves the major arteries. The authors review a case and report the clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Korea, the Hospice, Palliative Care, and Life-sustaining Treatment Decision-making Act was enacted in February 2016 in order to ensure that the patient's self-determination in end-of-life care processes is respected. To enhance physicians' understanding of this act and to provide proper criteria for medical judgment in variety of clinical settings, consensus guidelines were published in November 2016. In this article, the characteristics of these guidelines and related issues regarding the definitions of 'the end stage of disease' and 'last days of life' and the criteria for medical judgment are presented and summarized. According to the guidelines, the term 'end stage of disease' refers to a state in which there is no possibility of a fundamental recovery and the symptoms are expected to worsen within months. The terms 'the last days of life' and 'the final days of life' refer to a state in which, despite treatment, the patient's condition is worsening and death is impending, with no possibility of recovery. The attending physician and another relevant specialist should both judge a patient's medical condition as either 'end stage of disease' for hospice/palliative care or 'the last days of life' for dying patient care according to the law. Caregivers should provide appropriate medical information to eligible patients for palliative or 'end stage of disease' care through advance care planning. Therefore, it is critically necessary that caregivers understand the legitimate process of hospice/palliative and dying patient care based on the patient's wishes and best interests. Physicians should apply these consensus guidelines to eligible patients considering their clinical course and the patients' wishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since rehabilitation treatment does not simply treat a disease, but treats the patient who has a disease, it is not desirable to determine the treatment strategies based soly on the time of onset of a disease. Rehabilitation treatment should involve carefully evaluating the features of the disease and the patient, which requires considerable time. The convalescent (subacute) period requires a system in which rehabilitation treatment for central nervous system diseases can be administered for at least 2 years. In addition, the definitions and details of rehabilitation treatment that can be conducted by a rehabilitation specialist in the convalescent period and those of rehabilitation treatment conducted in the maintenance (chronic) period should be determined in advance, and these steps should be combined with the development of appropriate provisions in the medical insurance system for each period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recently, the interest in positive psychotherapy is growing, which can help to encourage positive relationships and develop strengths of people. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a positive psychotherapy program on positive affect, interpersonal relations, resilience, and mental health recovery in community-dwelling people with schizophrenia. Methods: The research was conducted using a randomized control group pretest-posttest design. A total of 57 adults with schizophrenia participated in this study. The study participants in experimental group received a positive psychotherapy program (n=28) and the participants in control group received only the usual treatment in community centers (n=29). The positive psychotherapy program was provided for 5 weeks (of 10 sessions, held twice/week, for 60 minutes). The study outcomes included positive affect, interpersonal relations, resilience, and mental health recovery. The collected data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA for examining study hypothesis. Results: Results showed that interpersonal relations (F=11.83, p=.001) and resilience (F=9.62, p=.003) significantly increased in the experimental group compared to the control group. Although experimental group showed a slight increase in positive affect, it was not significant. Conclusion: The study findings confirm that the positive psychotherapy program is effective for improving interpersonal relations and resilience of community-dwelling people with schizophrenia. Based on the findings, we believe that the positive psychotherapy program would be acceptable and helpful to improve recovery of mental health in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe and explore the adaptation process of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Methods: Using a grounded theory methodology, 15 interviews were performed with nine men and six women, 43-83 years of age, suffering from MDS. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative analysis method. Results: The core category emerged as “To do my best in uncertainty”. MDS patients engaged in three stages: Panic, Active fighting against illness, and Putting down/Adaptation phase. Causal conditions were unexpected cancer diagnosis, endless painful treatment, and uncertainty. Contextual conditions were physical deterioration and differences in recovery. The central phenomenon of the illness adaptation process among the patients with MDS was powerlessness at the dead end. Action/Interaction strategies included dependence on the constant medical care, physical energy conservation, mind control and environmental control. Intervening conditions were social support and desire to live. Consequences were hope for recovery and tug-of-war from repetition of exacerbation and recuperation. Conclusion: When caring for these patients, it is important to identify needs, allow patients to express what they want at that moment and support them in maintaining a daily life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose : This study investigated the effects of active warming using a Warm Touch warming system or a cotton blanket in postoperative patients after general anesthesia for abdominal surgery. Methods : This quasi-experimental study utilized two experimental groups and one control group: a cotton-blanket group (n = 25) were warmed with a cotton blanket and a sheet; a forced-air warming group (n = 24) were warmed with a Warm Touch warming system, a cotton blanket, and a sheet; and a control group (n = 25) were warmed with a sheet. Measurement variables were postoperative pain, body temperature, and thermal discomfort. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA,  -tests, Fisher’s exact test, and a repeated measures ANOVA. Results : The effects of active warming using a Warm Touch warming system and a cotton blanket on postoperative patients was significant in reducing pain (F = 13.91, p ＜ .001) and increasing body temperature (F = 12.49, p ＜ .001). Conclusion : Active warming made a significant difference in pain and body temperature changes. Active warming methods may help patients’ postoperative recovery and prevent complications. Further research is needed to explore the effects and side effects of active warming on recovering normothermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate patients’ perceived postoperative recovery over time and to identify the influences of resilience and social support on postoperative recovery among patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Methods: 101 patients with GI cancer who underwent surgery at S tertiary hospital were recruited from October 29th, 2015 to January 19th, 2016. Data was collected 3 times at postoperative day (POD)3, and POD5 in the hospital and at POD14 at home. Statistical analyses used were descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, ANCOVA, correlation, and linear mixed model. Results: The patients’ perceived postoperative recovery(reverse cording) decreased at home rather than time during hospital stay (POD3: 16.70, POD5: 15.74, POD14: 17.08). Postoperative recovery at POD5 showed negative correlation with resilience (r=-.36, p=.002). Postoperative recovery scores at POD14 were negatively correlated with resilience (r=-.60, p<.001) and social support (r=-.34, p=.019). There was a positive correlation (r=-.36, p=.002) between resilience and social support. Resilience was a significant associated factor with postoperative recovery over time (β=-0.29, p=.001). Conclusion: Since the degree of postoperative recovery after hospital discharge was perceived lower than that of during hospital stay, nursing interventions such as nurse-led telephone follow-up programs should be applied during the transition period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the recovering process of men who had abused alcohol and has lived in a therapeutic community. Methods: Individual in-depth interviews were used to collect data from 10 of these men who has lived in the therapeutic community for more than one year. Qualitative data from field notes and transcribed notes were analyzed using the grounded theory methodology developed by Strauss and Corbin. Results: The core category about the recovering process of the men who had abused alcohol and are now in the therapeutic community was identified as "reconstructing a broken life". The recovering process of these men in the therapeutic community consisted of four phases; 'self-awareness stage', 'unfreezing stage', 'readjustment stage', and 'challenging stage'. Conclusion: In this study "reconstructing a broken life", as the core category vividly showed joys and sorrows of men who had abused alcohol and has lived in the recovering process of managing the yoke of life-long disease. In this process of recovery from alcoholic dependence the men gradually adjusted themselves to their given condition. Also they gained coping strategies to care for, and protect themselves. Therefore health care providers can establish supportive programs in the clinical field to empower these men by reflecting their proactive coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was done to develop a internalized stigma reducing program based on cognitive-behavioral therapy and appropriate for patients with schizophrenia and to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: The study design was a mixed method research. Qualitative study, 13 patients with schizophrenia who had experience in overcoming stigma were purposively chosen for interviews and data were analyzed using Giorgi method. Quantitative study, 64 patients with schizophrenia (experimental group =32, control group =32) were recruited. The cognitive-behavioral therapy-based program for reducing internalized stigma in patients with schizophrenia was provided for 8 weeks (12 sessions). Data were collected from June. 20, 2013 to Feb. 14, 2014. Quantitative data were analyzed using χ²-test, t-test, repeated measures ANOVA with the SPSS program. Results: Qualitative results, from the experience of coping with stigma in patients with schizophrenia seventeen themes and five themes-clusters were drawn up. Quantitative results showed that internalized stigma, self-esteem, mental health recovery and quality of life were significantly better in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusion: Study findings indicate that this program for reducing internalized stigma in patients with schizophrenia is effective and can be recommended as a rehabilitation program intervention to help patients with schizophrenia to cope with internalized stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the average life expectancy is longer and the prevalence of chronic disease increases in the elderly, the number of people who needs the care and treatment in the sanatorium is also growing. Voiding dysfunction is common disease in elderly people admitted in the sanatorium and it causes various problems such as fall and fracture. Urinary incontinence is the most frequent condition that decreases physical and mental ability and therefore, it is an important risk factor to reduce the quality of life in the elderly. Thus, investigation of the prevalence and actual practise about the care of urinary incontinence is necessary to reduce not only urinary incontinence but also combined problems in the sanatorium. About 48.1 . 65.3% of the elderly experienced urinary incontinence and the most common management for urinary incontinence was pad usage. However, pad usage without considering the each patient's condition induces poor hygiene, skin problem, and pressure ulcer. Therefore, care according to the each patient's type of urinary incontinence and condition is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to report on the result of repairing Achilles tendon using absorbable suture under nerve block. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture who were followed up for at least six months after the operation. We repaired Achilles tendon using two absorbable sutures using the Krackow technique for the proximal stump and the Kessler technique for the distal stump. A programmed postoperative management including non-weight bearing with a short leg cast for four weeks after the operation was applied for all patients. We evaluated clinical results using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS) for satisfaction, range of motion of ankle, functional recovery rate, and the starting time of single heel raise. Results: The mean VAS score for satisfaction and AOFAS score was 9.2 and 93.0, respectively. The affected ankle showed a mean dorsiflexion rate of 90% and plantar-flexion rate of 94% compared to the uninjured side. The single heel raise could start at a mean of 3.5 months after the operation. Conclusion: Treatment of Achilles tendon rupture with absorbable suture material using the hybrid suture technique of proximal Krackow and distal Kessler showed sufficient stability and minimal chronic inflammatory reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of a Progressive Walking program (PW) on physical activity, exercise tolerance, recovery, and post-operative complications for patients with a lung resection. Methods: A nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design was utilized and 37 participants with a lung resection (22 for control group, 15 for experimental group) were recruited at A university hospital from December 2012 to August 2013. The PW consisted of preoperative education, goal setting, and feedback, provided to the experimental group, and usual care to the control group. Data were analyzed using the SPSS WIN 18.0. Results: A higher proportion of patients in the experimental group showed adequate levels of physical activity (p=.001), shorter period of chest tube retention (≤ 7 days; p=.011), and shorter stay in the hospital (≤ 10 days; p=.036) than patients in the control group. Patients in the experimental group reported longer 6-minute walking distance (p=.032) and lower levels of dyspnea (p=.049) than patients in the control group. The PW did not influence the occurrence of pulmonary complications. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the PW could be a useful strategy for improving patients’ post-operative health and reducing cost after lung resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As the number of cases of heart transplantation (HT) and the survival rate have increased, concerns regarding post-HT life have grown. This study was conducted to explore the relationships of perceived social support to the depression and health status of HT recipients. Methods: This descriptive study targeted all recipients who had undergone HT at S University Hospital since 1994, and 32 recipients were recruited. Results: 90.6% of the recipients were men, and the average age at the time of surgery was 47.4±13.4 years. The ejection fraction was increased from 18.47±5.63% to 63.25±7.57%, and 31 cases of New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and IV improved to class I or II after HT. The patients reported mild depression even with high perceived social support and improved health status after HT. Among those resource persons who offered support, they reported their spouse, doctors, and nurses as most meaningful to them. Conclusion: This study confirmed the positive effects of HT on the recipients' physical improvement. It also added the discovery that the importance of recipients' subjective perception of social support might be critical for their more successful recovery and adjustment to post-HT life. Focusing on a different approach to social support and types of social resources in the recovery phase is suggested for future studies on quality of life after HT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysphagia is caused by various pathologic conditions of which brain disorders are the major etiology. If food materials enter an airway, aspiration pneumonia or serious asphyxia can develop, which necessitates early detection and proper management of dysphagia. Diagnosis of dysphagia includes history taking, physical examination, bedside screening tests, videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), and fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES). Dysphagia management or rehabilitation consists of direct and indirect training methods. The direct one consists of modification of the texture and viscosity (using fluid thickener) of the diet, and diverse compensatory techniques for posture change (chin tuck, head rotation, and head tilt), airway protection (supraglottic swallowing and super-supraglottic swallowing) and improvement of bolus passage (effortful swallowing, multiple swallowing, Mendelsohn maneuver). Indirect training methods without using food are made up of thermal tactile stimulation, electrical stimulation of suprahyoid or infrahyoid muscles, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and strengthening of the tongue or pharyngeal muscles involved in swallowing (Shaker's exercise and vocal cord adduction exercise). Oral hygiene, adequate hydration, and nutritional support are also crucial. Although the prognosis of dysphagia is favorable with proper rehabilitation, enteral feeding through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or an oroesophageal tube would be helpful to patients who have unresolved dysphagia for some time. Further large-scale clinical studies will be needed to establish evidence on various training methods for dysphagia management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upper extremity paresis is a major impairment after stroke. Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), which is in contrast to traditional rehabilitation techniques, such as neurodevelopmental approaches and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, has initiated evidencebased medicine in stroke rehabilitation research. The main components of CIMT include massed practice, the constraint of movement of the intact upper limb, and the shaping of the behaviors of the impaired limb in order to improve the amount and quality of the use of the impaired limb. The proposed mechanism for CIMT involves overcoming learned nonuse and plastic brain reorganization. Patients who are indicated for CIMT have ⩾10° of active wrist extension, ⩾10° of thumb abduction/extension, and ⩾10° of extension in at least 2 additional digits. The standard CIMT is a time-consuming and labor-intensive treatment in the clinical situation. A modified CIMT has been studied to eliminate the limitations of the original method. Further studies should be performed to determine the amount, dose, training, and restraint technique of CIMT. Future studies also need to explore the synergy between CIMT and new therapies, such as robotics, virtual environments, mental imagery, and cortical stimulation. As an essential strategy founded on evidence-based medicine and proposing a conception of specific training for selected patients, CIMT should be further studied in terms of its applicability and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Liver transplantation (LT) is the best treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease and most patients with LT return to their normal life. However, pregnancy and childbirth for women with LT are less common, mainly because it is considered to be dangerous for their health. The purpose of this study was to describe how Korean women after LT experience their pregnancy and childbirth. Methods: This study was designed to explore the experiences of pregnancy and childbirth of women with LT. Data were collected by individual in-depth interviews with four women who were pregnant and gave birth following LT in 2009. All interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. The transcribed data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results: Four themes emerged as a result of analysis: recovery of lost feminity and marriage; fulfilling roles through pregnancy; life-risking pregnancy; and perfect family achieved by childbirth. These themes describe in detail about challenges and concerns the women with LT faced for their pregnancy and childbirth as well as many emotionally touching experiences. Conclusion: The results of this study would support health professionals to be better prepared to help women with LT for pregnancy and childbirth by providing in-depth and insightful information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dysphagia is caused by various pathologic conditions of which brain disorders are the major etiology. If food materials enter an airway, aspiration pneumonia or serious asphyxia can develop, which necessitates early detection and proper management of dysphagia. Diagnosis of dysphagia includes history taking, physical examination, bedside screening tests, videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), and fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing (FEES). Dysphagia management or rehabilitation consists of direct and indirect training methods. The direct one consists of modification of the texture and viscosity (using fluid thickener) of the diet, and diverse compensatory techniques for posture change (chin tuck, head rotation, and head tilt), airway protection (supraglottic swallowing and super-supraglottic swallowing) and improvement of bolus passage (effortful swallowing, multiple swallowing, Mendelsohn maneuver). Indirect training methods without using food are made up of thermal tactile stimulation, electrical stimulation of suprahyoid or infrahyoid muscles, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, and strengthening of the tongue or pharyngeal muscles involved in swallowing (Shaker's exercise and vocal cord adduction exercise). Oral hygiene, adequate hydration, and nutritional support are also crucial. Although the prognosis of dysphagia is favorable with proper rehabilitation, enteral feeding through percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy or an oroesophageal tube would be helpful to patients who have unresolved dysphagia for some time. Further large-scale clinical studies will be needed to establish evidence on various training methods for dysphagia management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to identify sexuality for women with gynecological cancer. Methods: A total of seven women with gynecological cancer agreed to participate in this study. The data were collected utilizing in-depth semi-structured interviews style. A descriptive study design was used in this study. The interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis methodology. Results: Three themes identified were: 'women with gynecological cancer who give up their sexual life due to misunderstanding and fear', 'women with gynecological cancer who control their body and mind for recovery', 'women with gynecological cancer resume their sexual life with their partner's will'. Conclusion: To improve sexual health and quality of life for women with gynecological cancer, we need to develop programs related to sexual health. An adjusted sexual health program will contribute to increased sexual health and quality of life for women with gynecological cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of recovery from disease in the patients doing a kind of Buddhist meditation, and to develop a grounded theory about meditation., Method: Data was collected by an in-depth interview using tape-recordings from sixteen participants doing meditation. The data was analyzed using the grounded theory method proposed by Strauss and Corbin(1998)., Result: The core category was discovering the true self. The participants began to do meditation because of their disease. They experienced obstacles due to incomplete religious acceptance. However, their faith grew gradually based on religious experiences that were indescribable. Finally, they entirely trusted the inner healer, which is emphasized in meditation. The strategies that they used were self reflection and seeking help for accepting deep meditation. They were stabilized in physical, psychological and social daily living. The processes of discovering the true self were identified as entering religious discipline, embodying religious discipline, self-accomplishing religious faith, and recovering mind-body health., Conclusion: This study provided the understanding of mind-body integration. Empirical research may be needed to prove scientifically the effects of meditation.