1.A Challenge in Occupational Health Nursing among Elderly Workers with Multimorbidity
Sukyong SEO ; Seongju CHOI ; Seunguk YEON
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing 2020;29(4):247-253
Purpose:
Multimorbidity is defined as the coexistence of multiple chronic diseases within a person. This study explores the burden of multimorbidity in the working population, focusing on the recent increase in elderly workers in Korea.
Methods:
We summarized past empirical or theoretical literature.
Results:
Previous literature shows that about 80% of the elderly are multimorbid, and more than half of people with chronic disease have two or more chronic conditions. Multimorbidity is a common phenomenon in the elderly working population. However, little is known about its prevalence, the factors related to its unequal distribution among workers, and its effects on health outcome measures such as mortality, medical use, and employment decisions.
Conclusion
This study asks researchers to focus on a subgroup analysis employing data on the working population. Health professionals need to develop clinical guidelines for multimorbid patients. As multimorbidity is a major health concern in the working elderly, prevention and control should be promoted in the workplace.
2.Continuous quadratus lumborum block as part of multimodal analgesia after total hip arthroplasty: a case report
Hahyeon BAK ; Seunguk BANG ; Subin YOO ; Seoyeong KIM ; So Yeon LEE
Korean Journal of Anesthesiology 2020;73(2):158-162
Background:
Commonly used epidural or systemic analgesics for pain control after hip surgery carry risk for potential adverse effects. In contrast, the quadratus lumborum block (QLB) utilizes a simple and easy fascial plane technique and provides a wide area of sensory blockade. Thus, the QLB may be beneficial as analgesia after total hip arthroplasty. CaseHere, we report the case of an 83-year-old man who received a continuous transmuscular QLB as part of a multimodal analgesia after hardware removal and total hip arthroplasty. The patient received a continuous infusion of 0.2% ropivacaine at 8 ml/h through an indwelling catheter in addition to patient-controlled analgesia with intravenous fentanyl and oral celecoxib. The patient’s pain scores did not exceed 4, and no additional analgesics were required until postoperative day 5.
Conclusions
Transmuscular QLB may be a suitable option for multimodal analgesia after total hip arthroplasty.