1.Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions – a narrative review
Hee Jun SHIN ; Ik Tae CHO ; Wan Suk CHOI ; Hong Rae KIM ; Min Bong KANG ; Won Jong YANG
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):8-
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.
2.Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions – a narrative review
Hee Jun SHIN ; Ik Tae CHO ; Wan Suk CHOI ; Hong Rae KIM ; Min Bong KANG ; Won Jong YANG
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):8-
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.
3.Educational Level Modifies the Relationship between Standard Deviation of NN Intervals and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Development over Two-years
Ji Min YOO ; Ju-Wan KIM ; Hee-Ju KANG ; Hyunseok JANG ; Jung-Chul KIM ; Ju-Yeon LEE ; Sung-Wan KIM ; Il-Seon SHIN ; Jae-Min KIM
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):155-160
Objective:
This study investigated how educational levels modify the relationship between the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) of heart rate variability and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods:
Participants with physical injuries were enrolled from a trauma center and monitored over two years. Initial assessments included SDNN and educational attainment, along with socio-demographic and clinical variables. PTSD diagnoses were made at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-injury using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5.Logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results:
Of the 538 participants, 58 (10.8%) developed PTSD during the follow-up period. A significant interaction effect was observed: lower SDNN was significantly linked to PTSD in individuals with higher education, but not in those with lower education.
Conclusion
The study identified education-dependent associations between SDNN and PTSD development, emphasizing the importance of tailored PTSD prevention strategies that consider both SDNN and educational levels.
4.Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions – a narrative review
Hee Jun SHIN ; Ik Tae CHO ; Wan Suk CHOI ; Hong Rae KIM ; Min Bong KANG ; Won Jong YANG
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):8-
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.
5.Educational Level Modifies the Relationship between Standard Deviation of NN Intervals and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Development over Two-years
Ji Min YOO ; Ju-Wan KIM ; Hee-Ju KANG ; Hyunseok JANG ; Jung-Chul KIM ; Ju-Yeon LEE ; Sung-Wan KIM ; Il-Seon SHIN ; Jae-Min KIM
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):155-160
Objective:
This study investigated how educational levels modify the relationship between the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) of heart rate variability and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods:
Participants with physical injuries were enrolled from a trauma center and monitored over two years. Initial assessments included SDNN and educational attainment, along with socio-demographic and clinical variables. PTSD diagnoses were made at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-injury using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5.Logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results:
Of the 538 participants, 58 (10.8%) developed PTSD during the follow-up period. A significant interaction effect was observed: lower SDNN was significantly linked to PTSD in individuals with higher education, but not in those with lower education.
Conclusion
The study identified education-dependent associations between SDNN and PTSD development, emphasizing the importance of tailored PTSD prevention strategies that consider both SDNN and educational levels.
6.Educational Level Modifies the Relationship between Standard Deviation of NN Intervals and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Development over Two-years
Ji Min YOO ; Ju-Wan KIM ; Hee-Ju KANG ; Hyunseok JANG ; Jung-Chul KIM ; Ju-Yeon LEE ; Sung-Wan KIM ; Il-Seon SHIN ; Jae-Min KIM
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):155-160
Objective:
This study investigated how educational levels modify the relationship between the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) of heart rate variability and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods:
Participants with physical injuries were enrolled from a trauma center and monitored over two years. Initial assessments included SDNN and educational attainment, along with socio-demographic and clinical variables. PTSD diagnoses were made at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-injury using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5.Logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results:
Of the 538 participants, 58 (10.8%) developed PTSD during the follow-up period. A significant interaction effect was observed: lower SDNN was significantly linked to PTSD in individuals with higher education, but not in those with lower education.
Conclusion
The study identified education-dependent associations between SDNN and PTSD development, emphasizing the importance of tailored PTSD prevention strategies that consider both SDNN and educational levels.
7.Educational Level Modifies the Relationship between Standard Deviation of NN Intervals and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Development over Two-years
Ji Min YOO ; Ju-Wan KIM ; Hee-Ju KANG ; Hyunseok JANG ; Jung-Chul KIM ; Ju-Yeon LEE ; Sung-Wan KIM ; Il-Seon SHIN ; Jae-Min KIM
Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience 2025;23(1):155-160
Objective:
This study investigated how educational levels modify the relationship between the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) of heart rate variability and the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Methods:
Participants with physical injuries were enrolled from a trauma center and monitored over two years. Initial assessments included SDNN and educational attainment, along with socio-demographic and clinical variables. PTSD diagnoses were made at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-injury using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5.Logistic regression analyses were conducted.
Results:
Of the 538 participants, 58 (10.8%) developed PTSD during the follow-up period. A significant interaction effect was observed: lower SDNN was significantly linked to PTSD in individuals with higher education, but not in those with lower education.
Conclusion
The study identified education-dependent associations between SDNN and PTSD development, emphasizing the importance of tailored PTSD prevention strategies that consider both SDNN and educational levels.
8.Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions – a narrative review
Hee Jun SHIN ; Ik Tae CHO ; Wan Suk CHOI ; Hong Rae KIM ; Min Bong KANG ; Won Jong YANG
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):8-
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.
9.Sites of Metastasis and Survival in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma:Results From the Korean Renal Cancer Study Group Database
Chan Ho LEE ; Minyong KANG ; Cheol KWAK ; Young Hwii KO ; Jung Kwon KIM ; Jae Young PARK ; Seokhwan BANG ; Seong Il SEO ; Jungyo SUH ; Wan SONG ; Cheryn SONG ; Hyung Ho LEE ; Jinsoo CHUNG ; Chang Wook JEONG ; Jung Ki JO ; Seock Hwan CHOI ; Joongwon CHOI ; Changil CHOI ; Seol Ho CHOO ; Jang Hee HAN ; Sung-Hoo HONG ; Eu Chang HWANG
Journal of Korean Medical Science 2024;39(45):e293-
Background:
In patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), sites of metastatic involvement have been reported to be associated with a difference in survival. However, the frequency and survival according to different sites of metastases in Korean patients with mRCC remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the frequency of metastatic site involvement and the association between sites of metastatic involvement and survival in Korean patients with mRCC.
Methods:
This retrospective study used the multicenter cohort of the Korean Renal Cancer Study Group mRCC database to identify patients who started targeted therapy between December 2005 and March 2018. Data on the frequency of metastatic organ involvement at the time of mRCC diagnosis and oncologic outcomes according to different sites of metastasis were analyzed.
Results:
A total of 1,761 patients were eligible for analysis. Of the 1,761 patients, 1,564 (88.8%) had clear cell RCC, and 1,040 (59.1%) had synchronous metastasis. The median number of metastasis sites was 2 (interquartile range [IQR], 1–6). The median age at the initiation of systemic therapy was 60 years (IQR, 29–88), 1,380 (78.4%) were men, and 1,341 (76.1%) underwent nephrectomy. Based on the International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consortium model, patients were stratified into favorable-, intermediate-, and poor-risk groups with 359 (20.4%), 1,092 (62.0%), and 310 (17.6%) patients, respectively. The lung (70.9%), lymph nodes (37.9%), bone (30.7%), liver (12.7%), adrenal gland (9.8%), and brain (8.2%) were the most common sites of metastasis, followed by the pancreas, pleura, peritoneum, spleen, thyroid, and bowel. Among the most common sites of metastasis (> 5%), the median cancer-specific survival (CSS) ranged from 13.9 (liver) to 29.1 months (lung). An association was observed between liver, bone, and pleural metastases and the shortest median CSS (< 19 months).
Conclusion
In Korean patients with mRCC, metastases to the lung, lymph nodes, bone, liver, adrenal gland, and brain were more frequent than those to other organs. Metastases to the liver, bone, and pleura were associated with poor CSS. The findings of this study may be valuable for patient counseling and guiding future study designs.
10.Evaluation of a basic-clinical integrated pharmacology case-based learning program from a student perspective using the CIPP model
Hee Jae LEE ; Seok Hoon KANG ; Sang In PARK ; Wan Joo CHUN ; Kwon In YOUK
Korean Journal of Medical Education 2024;36(4):429-434
Purpose:
This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of case-based learning (CBL) within a basic-clinical integrated educational program using the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) evaluation model.
Methods:
The CBL program was integrated into the Pharmacology–Clinical Case Practice component of the pharmacology course, a mandatory course for first-year medical students. To evaluate the program, a CIPP model-based questionnaire was developed, assessing needs, goals, resources, educational management, and outcomes. To ensure the reliability and validity of the variables, factor analysis was performed, reducing an initial set of 28 items to 18 final observation variables distributed across four factors. The survey, designed to measure learner satisfaction, was administered to 37 students who participated in the Pharmacology–Clinical Case Practice course during the first semester of 2022.
Results:
Participants rated their satisfaction with the CBL program based on the CIPP model (on a 5-point scale), giving an average score of 4.17. This suggests that learners who followed the CBL program combining basic and clinical components generally found the program operationally effective with positive outcomes.
Conclusion
The teaching model and evaluation model applied in this study can be utilized in various majors when operating CBL classes that link basic and clinical education in medical schools in the future.

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