Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing the performance of safe injection practices among nurses at general hospitals, in order to provide foundational data for developing strategies to improve the quality of injection practices in the future. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 153 nurses who were involved in injection practices. The data were collected from August to September 2024. Results: The most frequently performed type of injection by the participants was intravenous, and all types of injection practices were performed an average of 26.8±19.07 times per working day. The variable that most significantly influenced the performance of safe injection practices was knowledge of safe injection practices (β=.56, p<.001), which explained 36.7% of the variance. Experience with injection practice-related education (β=.27, p<.001) explained an additional 10.7% of variance, and organizational culture for infection control (β=.21, p<.001) explained 3.7% more. The total explanatory power of these variables on the performance of safe injection practices was 50.3% (F=52.35, p<.001). Conclusion Since both personal aspects, such as knowledge of safe injection practices and experience with injection practice-related education, and organizational aspects, such as organizational culture for infection control, simultaneously influenced the performance of safe injection practices among nurses at general hospitals, it is strongly recommended to develop and implement an integrated program for improvement. This program should combine strategies to enhance individual knowledge and positively transform the organizational culture for infection control, aiming for higher-quality execution of nursing duties, including injection practices.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing the performance of safe injection practices among nurses at general hospitals, in order to provide foundational data for developing strategies to improve the quality of injection practices in the future. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 153 nurses who were involved in injection practices. The data were collected from August to September 2024. Results: The most frequently performed type of injection by the participants was intravenous, and all types of injection practices were performed an average of 26.8±19.07 times per working day. The variable that most significantly influenced the performance of safe injection practices was knowledge of safe injection practices (β=.56, p<.001), which explained 36.7% of the variance. Experience with injection practice-related education (β=.27, p<.001) explained an additional 10.7% of variance, and organizational culture for infection control (β=.21, p<.001) explained 3.7% more. The total explanatory power of these variables on the performance of safe injection practices was 50.3% (F=52.35, p<.001). Conclusion Since both personal aspects, such as knowledge of safe injection practices and experience with injection practice-related education, and organizational aspects, such as organizational culture for infection control, simultaneously influenced the performance of safe injection practices among nurses at general hospitals, it is strongly recommended to develop and implement an integrated program for improvement. This program should combine strategies to enhance individual knowledge and positively transform the organizational culture for infection control, aiming for higher-quality execution of nursing duties, including injection practices.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing the performance of safe injection practices among nurses at general hospitals, in order to provide foundational data for developing strategies to improve the quality of injection practices in the future. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 153 nurses who were involved in injection practices. The data were collected from August to September 2024. Results: The most frequently performed type of injection by the participants was intravenous, and all types of injection practices were performed an average of 26.8±19.07 times per working day. The variable that most significantly influenced the performance of safe injection practices was knowledge of safe injection practices (β=.56, p<.001), which explained 36.7% of the variance. Experience with injection practice-related education (β=.27, p<.001) explained an additional 10.7% of variance, and organizational culture for infection control (β=.21, p<.001) explained 3.7% more. The total explanatory power of these variables on the performance of safe injection practices was 50.3% (F=52.35, p<.001). Conclusion Since both personal aspects, such as knowledge of safe injection practices and experience with injection practice-related education, and organizational aspects, such as organizational culture for infection control, simultaneously influenced the performance of safe injection practices among nurses at general hospitals, it is strongly recommended to develop and implement an integrated program for improvement. This program should combine strategies to enhance individual knowledge and positively transform the organizational culture for infection control, aiming for higher-quality execution of nursing duties, including injection practices.

Purpose: To report a nationwide survey on neuroblastoma conducted by the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in 2020. Methods: The clinical data of pediatric patients diagnosed with and treated for neuroblastoma from 2005 to 2019 in 19 hospitals of KAPS members were collected. Survival and prognostic factor analyses were performed using the log rank test and Cox proportional hazard analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 669 patients with neuroblastoma were registered for the study. The results were presented and discussed at the 36th annual meeting of the KAPS, which was held in Seoul on August 21, 2020. Conclusion This study provides information on patient demographics, prognostic outcomes, and comprehensive treatment outcomes for neuroblastoma. The study is expected to be an important reference for improving pediatric surgeons’ understanding and treatment of neuroblastoma.

Purpose: To report the findings of a perception survey on intestinal malrotation conducted by the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) in 2021. Methods: The perceptions on intestinal malrotation regarding clinical decision making of the KAPS members were collected through web-based survey. Results: A total of 22 surgeons were answered for this study. The results were presented and discussed at the 37th annual meeting of KAPS, which was held in Seoul on June 18, 2021. Conclusion This study provides the clinical decisions of the KAPS members on the intestinal malrotation. The study is expected to be an important reference for improving pediatric surgeons’ understanding and treatment of intestinal malrotation.

Purpose: Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare but progressive cholangiopathy and the leading cause of pediatric liver transplantation worldwide. The Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) has conducted three national surveys (2001, 2011, and 2023) to assess long-term trends in the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of BA. This study provides a comparative analysis of the 2nd and 3rd national surveys, with reference to selected findings from the 1st survey. Methods: This study included 453 patients from the 3rd national survey (2011–2021) and 435 patients from the 2nd survey (2001–2010), all of whom underwent Kasai portoenterostomy. Data were collected via electronic case report forms from pediatric surgical centers nationwide. Comparisons were made regarding demographics, clinical features, diagnostic patterns, operative details, follow-up outcomes, and survival. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to evaluate long-term survival. Results: The mean number of BA patients per year remained stable between surveys (43.5 in the 2nd, 41.18 in the 3rd), though centralization of care increased, with 61.5% of cases managed by two major institutions in the 3rd survey. The median age at surgery decreased, and the use of preoperative imaging (especially magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) increased. The 10-year native liver survival rate declined from 59.8% to 53.7%, while overall 10-year survival improved slightly (92.9% to 93.2%). Postoperative complications, such as cholangitis and liver failure, persisted but were better categorized. The 3rd survey also reported improved mortality (4.9%) and reduced follow-up loss (11.5%) compared to the 2nd survey. Conclusion While overall survival after Kasai operation has remained high and even improved, native liver survival has slightly declined. The findings reflect earlier diagnosis, more consistent diagnostic imaging, and increasing centralization of care. These trends underscore the importance of long-term nationwide data collection in guiding future strategies for BA management in Korea.

Purpose: This study aims to investigate and compare the incidence, demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations, preoperative diagnostic methods, anatomical classifications, associated anomalies, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes of patients with intestinal atresia treated by the members of the Korean Association of Pediatric Surgeons (KAPS) through three nationwide surveys. Methods: KAPS conducted 3 national surveys in 1998, 2010, and 2024 to examine the patients diagnosed with intestinal atresia. In preparation for the survey, we developed a customized case registration form to obtain data on patient sex, birth weight, gestational age, clinical manifestations, preoperative diagnostic methods, anatomical types, associated anomalies, operative treatments, and postoperative outcomes. Authorized KAPS members completed the case registration form. Results: The first, second, and third national surveys included 218, 222, and 236 individuals diagnosed with intestinal atresia, respectively. The male-to-female ratios were 1.5:1, 1.1:1, and 1.1:1, respectively. The first, second, and third national surveys revealed that 34.3%, 43.3%, and 53.4% of patients were born before 37 weeks of gestation, respectively. Additionally, 28.7%, 32.0%, and 40.7% of patients had a birth weight under 2,500 g. In the third national survey, duodenoduodenostomy was the most common procedure, performed in 70 out of 82 patients diagnosed with duodenal atresia. Resection and anastomosis were the main surgical procedures conducted in 47 out of 54 cases of jejunal atresia and 74 out of 92 cases of ileal atresia. The mortality rates in the first, second, and third national surveys were 13.8%, 3.6%, and 1.3% respectively, with the lowest rate observed in the third national survey. Conclusion These national surveys offer valuable insights into the current state of intestinal atresia, including specific surgical interventions and postoperative outcomes in South Korea. For pediatric surgeons aiming to enhance their understanding of intestinal atresia and its treatment options, these surveys could be an indispensable resource and guide.

Purpose: The duties of paramedics and emergency medical technicians (P&EMTs) are continuously changing due to developments in medical systems. This study presents evaluation goals for P&EMTs by analyzing their work, especially the tasks that new P&EMTs (with less than 3 years’ experience) find difficult, to foster the training of P&EMTs who could adapt to emergency situations after graduation. Methods: A questionnaire was created based on prior job analyses of P&EMTs. The survey questions were reviewed through focus group interviews, from which 253 task elements were derived. A survey was conducted from July 10, 2023 to October 13, 2023 on the frequency, importance, and difficulty of the 6 occupations in which P&EMTs were employed. Results: The P&EMTs’ most common tasks involved obtaining patients’ medical histories and measuring vital signs, whereas the most important task was cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The task elements that the P&EMTs found most difficult were newborn delivery and infant CPR. New paramedics reported that treating patients with fractures, poisoning, and childhood fever was difficult, while new EMTs reported that they had difficulty keeping diaries, managing ambulances, and controlling infection. Conclusion Communication was the most important item for P&EMTs, whereas CPR was the most important skill. It is important for P&EMTs to have knowledge of all tasks; however, they also need to master frequently performed tasks and those that pose difficulties in the field. By deriving goals for evaluating P&EMTs, changes could be made to their education, thereby making it possible to train more capable P&EMTs.

Background: Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a common cause of acute respiratory disease (ARD) and has raised significant concerns within the Korean military. Here, we conducted a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of HAdV-associated ARD by evaluating its prevalence, clinical outcomes, and prognosis. Methods: We reviewed data from multiple sources, including the New Defense Medical Information System, Defense Medical Statistical Information System, Ministry of National Defense, Army Headquarters, Navy Headquarters, Air Force Headquarters, and Armed Forces Medical Command. We analyzed data of patients who underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for respiratory viruses between January 2013 and July 2022 in all 14 Korean military hospitals. The analysis included the PCR test results, demographic characteristics, health care utilization, and prognosis including types of treatments received, incidence of pneumonia, and mortality. Results: Among the 23,830 individuals who underwent PCR testing at Korean military hospitals, 44.78% (10,670 cases) tested positive for respiratory viruses. Across all military types and ranks, HAdV was the most prevalent virus, with a total of 8,580 patients diagnosed, among HAdV, influenza virus, human metapneumovirus, human parainfluenza virus, and human respiratory syncytial virus. HAdV-infected patients exhibited higher rates of healthcare use compared to non-HAdV-infected patients, including a greater number of emergency visits (1.04 vs. 1.02) and outpatient visits (1.31 vs. 1.27), longer hospitalizations (8.14 days vs. 6.84 days), and extended stays in the intensive care unit (5.21 days vs. 3.38 days).Furthermore, HAdV-infected patients had a higher proportion of pneumonia cases (65.79%vs. 48.33%) and greater likelihood of receiving advanced treatments such as high flow nasal cannula or continuous renal replacement therapy. Conclusion Our findings indicate that HAdV posed a significant public health concern within the Korean military prior to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Given the potential for a resurgence of outbreaks in the post-COVID-19 era, proactive measures, such as education, environmental improvements, and the development of HAdV vaccines, are crucial for effectively preventing future outbreaks.

Background: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of a neurofeedback wearable device for stress reduction. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, controlled study was designed. Participants had psychological stress with depression or sleep disturbances. They practiced either neurofeedback-assisted meditation (n = 20; female, 15 [75.0%]; age, 49.40 ± 11.76 years) or neurofeedback non-assisted meditation (n = 18; female, 11 [61.1%]; age, 48.67 ± 12.90 years) for 12 minutes twice a day for two weeks. Outcome variables were self-reported questionnaires, including the Korean version of the Perceived Stress Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and State Trait Anxiety Index, quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG), and blood tests. Satisfaction with device use was measured at the final visit. Results: The experimental group had a significant change in PSS score after two weeks of intervention compared with the control group (6.45 ± 0.95 vs. 3.00 ± 5.54, P = 0.037). State anxiety tended to have a greater effect in the experimental group than in the control group (P = 0.078). Depressive mood and sleep also improved in each group, with no significant difference between the two groups. There were no significant differences in stress-related physiological parameters, such as stress hormones or qEEG, between the two groups.Subjective device satisfaction was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P = 0.008). Conclusion Neurofeedback-assisted meditation using a wearable device can help improve subjective stress reduction compared with non-assisted meditation. These results support neurofeedback as an effective adjunct to meditation for relieving stress.