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.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.
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.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.
5.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.
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.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.
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.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.
10.The Relationship Between Fast Food Consumption and Daily Lifestyle Changes During School Closures Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Adolescents in Korea
Ju-Yeon LEE ; Shinhyun MOON ; Seo-Hyun CHO ; Honey KIM ; Hee-Ju KANG ; Seon-Young KIM ; Seunghyong RYU ; Jae-Min KIM ; Il-Seon SHIN ; Sung-Wan KIM
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(6):610-617
Objective:
Increased fast food consumption can have adverse effects on health and well-being among adolescents, posing a significant public health concern. The school closures due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have led to changes in eating patterns and disrupted a balance diet among adolescents. This study explored the factors associated with fast food consumption among adolescents during school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods:
A total of 1,710 middle and high school students in Gwangju, South Korea participated in a cross-sectional survey. The self-administered questionnaire included items assessing dietary intake, physical activity, sleep, media use, and sociodemographic information. The Patient Health Questonnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and three item version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale were also administered. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with increased fast food consumption.
Results:
Approximately 34.6% of the surveyed adolescents reported increased fast food consumption during school closures, as well as increased sleep duration, increased sedentary behaviors including watching TV and using the internet, and reduced physical activity. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that fast food consumption during school closures was associated with irregular patterns of main meals and sleep, decreased physical activity, increased internet use, and a lack of daytime adult supervision.
Conclusion
Our results highlight the need for dietary and lifestyle monitoring and guidelines to promote health among adolescents, especially during school closures. In conclusion, nutrition intervention programs aiming to limit fast food consumption and enhance healthy dietary habits among adolescents during long-term school closures are warranted.

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