Objectives: This study, part of the ongoing Korean National Burden of Disease (KNBD) updates, assesses disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and disability-adjusted life expectancy (DALE) in Korea, taking into account the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 and emphasizing the importance of analyzing these metrics jointly. Methods: Data were obtained from Statistics Korea, the National Health Insurance Service, and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. DALYs and DALE were calculated using an incidence-based approach, following disease classification, disability weights, and estimation procedures consistent with prior KNBD research. Results: Compared with earlier estimates, DALYs showed a slight decline in 2020 followed by an increase in 2021, with this pattern observed across all income quintiles. For DALE, both men and women experienced modest gains relative to earlier studies; however, a decrease occurred across all income levels in 2021 compared with 2020. Regional disparities in DALE also narrowed beginning in 2020, with a more marked reduction among women. Conclusions Unlike previous studies, this research presents DALYs and DALE concurrently, offering a more comprehensive perspective on summary measures of population health. The post-2020 rise in DALYs underscores the growing need for effective chronic disease management. Additionally, widening income-based disparities in DALE highlight the urgency of addressing health inequities. Continued monitoring and updates of DALYs and DALE are necessary to understand and respond to these evolving trends.

Legal risks and liability issues in medical practice serve as a primary catalyst for the current collapse of essential healthcare services in Korea. Currently, medical disputes in Korea are disproportionately focused on criminal prosecutions and high-damages civil litigation. This punitive approach fosters a culture of concealment, encourages defensive medicine, and accelerates the exodus of medical professionals from essential fields. Ultimately, this cycle deprives the system of opportunities for improvement and poses a significant threat to patient safety. In contrast, many advanced nations have adopted principles of “Just Culture” and “Safe Space,” prioritizing non-punitive reporting and systemic root-cause analysis over individual retribution. To address these issues, this paper proposes four key strategies: First, the establishment of an independent “Patient Safety Investigation Agency” to objectively investigate incidents and identify systemic flaws. Second, a transition from criminal punishment to licensing board-led management, focusing on re-education and counseling to maintain quality of care. Third, the enactment of “Apology Laws” to ensure that expressions of regret or apologies cannot be used as legal evidence of liability, thereby fostering trust and psychological recovery. Finally, the creation of a “Patient Safety Fund” to provide prompt and sufficient public compensation to victims regardless of proven negligence. In conclusion, it is imperative to shift the paradigm by defining medical accidents as “system failures” rather than individual faults. Strengthening the social safety net will encourage medical professionals to return to essential care and build a sustainable healthcare environment centered on patient safety.

Background: Even before coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), unexpected new infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, novel influenza A and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) affected the Korean healthcare systems. Nevertheless, during the COVID-19 period, we still experienced difficulties in systematic response. Especially in Ulsan Metropolitan City, which had no confirmed cases during the MERS, the response infrastructure was also very insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate in depth experiences of managers and practitioners of infectious disease management organizations with the COVID-19 response and identify areas for improvement in the response to future novel infectious diseases. Methods: We recruited participants through targeted and snowball sampling. Data were collected between March 27 and May 2, 2023, through in-depth interviews with 15 healthcare workers from Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea, including civil servants, physicians, nurses, and administrative staff, all of whom had experience with the COVID-19 response. Results: We extracted 1,496 semantic units, 16 subcategories, and 5 categories. The participants experienced confusion at being inserted into the infectious disease response without a thorough understanding of the work due to the sudden appearance of COVID-19.In the absence of precise manuals or designated consultancies, the participants’ confusion was exacerbated by frequent changes to guidelines and insufficient communication, and they felt despair by others’ passive attitudes, which contradicted their own feelings. They also felt bewildered that they were not supported by policy, despite having chosen to support a great cause in an emergency. Excessive workloads led to health problems. Nevertheless, the participants actively sought help, received support, made efforts to construct the response environment, and felt a sense of reward when they witnessed the results. The participants emphasized the need to build up the inadequate public healthcare system in Ulsan to prepare for future novel infectious diseases, to maintain a trained, professional workforce, and to secure a sufficient budget to provide support and compensation. Conclusion The findings indicate that local governments need to establish public healthcare systems and secure professionals for responding to novel infectious diseases.

Purpose: We aimed to derive insights by analyzing the results of a patient safety awareness survey conducted by the Regional Patient Safety Center of the Korean Medical Association. Methods: Survey questions were developed in three domains: sociodemographic characteristics, patient safety awareness, and patient safety education needs. An online anonymous survey targeting Korean physicians was conducted annually from 2021 to 2023. Chi-square tests were used to verify differences in responses by year and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: A total of 774 physicians participated in the survey over the three-year period. Approximately half of the participants were still assessed to have insufficient knowledge about patient safety, and no clear year-over-year improvement was observed. Additionally, while patient safety incidents appeared common, the proportion of respondents who reported incidents remained around 20%. However, participants showed high levels of agreement or engagement in patient participation activities related to patient safety (over 90%), with 60% having previously received patient safety-related education, and nearly 90% expressing willingness to participate in future education. The findings also highlighted a particular urgency in improving patient safety awareness among clinic-based physicians. Conclusion Promoting awareness of patient safety incident reporting methods and encouraging clinic-based physicians to report incidents should be prioritized. The study’s findings will provide a foundation for more effectively fostering physician engagement in patient safety improvement activities.

Background: Even before coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), unexpected new infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, novel influenza A and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) affected the Korean healthcare systems. Nevertheless, during the COVID-19 period, we still experienced difficulties in systematic response. Especially in Ulsan Metropolitan City, which had no confirmed cases during the MERS, the response infrastructure was also very insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate in depth experiences of managers and practitioners of infectious disease management organizations with the COVID-19 response and identify areas for improvement in the response to future novel infectious diseases. Methods: We recruited participants through targeted and snowball sampling. Data were collected between March 27 and May 2, 2023, through in-depth interviews with 15 healthcare workers from Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea, including civil servants, physicians, nurses, and administrative staff, all of whom had experience with the COVID-19 response. Results: We extracted 1,496 semantic units, 16 subcategories, and 5 categories. The participants experienced confusion at being inserted into the infectious disease response without a thorough understanding of the work due to the sudden appearance of COVID-19.In the absence of precise manuals or designated consultancies, the participants’ confusion was exacerbated by frequent changes to guidelines and insufficient communication, and they felt despair by others’ passive attitudes, which contradicted their own feelings. They also felt bewildered that they were not supported by policy, despite having chosen to support a great cause in an emergency. Excessive workloads led to health problems. Nevertheless, the participants actively sought help, received support, made efforts to construct the response environment, and felt a sense of reward when they witnessed the results. The participants emphasized the need to build up the inadequate public healthcare system in Ulsan to prepare for future novel infectious diseases, to maintain a trained, professional workforce, and to secure a sufficient budget to provide support and compensation. Conclusion The findings indicate that local governments need to establish public healthcare systems and secure professionals for responding to novel infectious diseases.

Purpose: We aimed to derive insights by analyzing the results of a patient safety awareness survey conducted by the Regional Patient Safety Center of the Korean Medical Association. Methods: Survey questions were developed in three domains: sociodemographic characteristics, patient safety awareness, and patient safety education needs. An online anonymous survey targeting Korean physicians was conducted annually from 2021 to 2023. Chi-square tests were used to verify differences in responses by year and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: A total of 774 physicians participated in the survey over the three-year period. Approximately half of the participants were still assessed to have insufficient knowledge about patient safety, and no clear year-over-year improvement was observed. Additionally, while patient safety incidents appeared common, the proportion of respondents who reported incidents remained around 20%. However, participants showed high levels of agreement or engagement in patient participation activities related to patient safety (over 90%), with 60% having previously received patient safety-related education, and nearly 90% expressing willingness to participate in future education. The findings also highlighted a particular urgency in improving patient safety awareness among clinic-based physicians. Conclusion Promoting awareness of patient safety incident reporting methods and encouraging clinic-based physicians to report incidents should be prioritized. The study’s findings will provide a foundation for more effectively fostering physician engagement in patient safety improvement activities.

Background: Even before coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), unexpected new infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, novel influenza A and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) affected the Korean healthcare systems. Nevertheless, during the COVID-19 period, we still experienced difficulties in systematic response. Especially in Ulsan Metropolitan City, which had no confirmed cases during the MERS, the response infrastructure was also very insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate in depth experiences of managers and practitioners of infectious disease management organizations with the COVID-19 response and identify areas for improvement in the response to future novel infectious diseases. Methods: We recruited participants through targeted and snowball sampling. Data were collected between March 27 and May 2, 2023, through in-depth interviews with 15 healthcare workers from Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea, including civil servants, physicians, nurses, and administrative staff, all of whom had experience with the COVID-19 response. Results: We extracted 1,496 semantic units, 16 subcategories, and 5 categories. The participants experienced confusion at being inserted into the infectious disease response without a thorough understanding of the work due to the sudden appearance of COVID-19.In the absence of precise manuals or designated consultancies, the participants’ confusion was exacerbated by frequent changes to guidelines and insufficient communication, and they felt despair by others’ passive attitudes, which contradicted their own feelings. They also felt bewildered that they were not supported by policy, despite having chosen to support a great cause in an emergency. Excessive workloads led to health problems. Nevertheless, the participants actively sought help, received support, made efforts to construct the response environment, and felt a sense of reward when they witnessed the results. The participants emphasized the need to build up the inadequate public healthcare system in Ulsan to prepare for future novel infectious diseases, to maintain a trained, professional workforce, and to secure a sufficient budget to provide support and compensation. Conclusion The findings indicate that local governments need to establish public healthcare systems and secure professionals for responding to novel infectious diseases.

Purpose: We aimed to derive insights by analyzing the results of a patient safety awareness survey conducted by the Regional Patient Safety Center of the Korean Medical Association. Methods: Survey questions were developed in three domains: sociodemographic characteristics, patient safety awareness, and patient safety education needs. An online anonymous survey targeting Korean physicians was conducted annually from 2021 to 2023. Chi-square tests were used to verify differences in responses by year and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: A total of 774 physicians participated in the survey over the three-year period. Approximately half of the participants were still assessed to have insufficient knowledge about patient safety, and no clear year-over-year improvement was observed. Additionally, while patient safety incidents appeared common, the proportion of respondents who reported incidents remained around 20%. However, participants showed high levels of agreement or engagement in patient participation activities related to patient safety (over 90%), with 60% having previously received patient safety-related education, and nearly 90% expressing willingness to participate in future education. The findings also highlighted a particular urgency in improving patient safety awareness among clinic-based physicians. Conclusion Promoting awareness of patient safety incident reporting methods and encouraging clinic-based physicians to report incidents should be prioritized. The study’s findings will provide a foundation for more effectively fostering physician engagement in patient safety improvement activities.

Background: Even before coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), unexpected new infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome, novel influenza A and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) affected the Korean healthcare systems. Nevertheless, during the COVID-19 period, we still experienced difficulties in systematic response. Especially in Ulsan Metropolitan City, which had no confirmed cases during the MERS, the response infrastructure was also very insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate in depth experiences of managers and practitioners of infectious disease management organizations with the COVID-19 response and identify areas for improvement in the response to future novel infectious diseases. Methods: We recruited participants through targeted and snowball sampling. Data were collected between March 27 and May 2, 2023, through in-depth interviews with 15 healthcare workers from Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea, including civil servants, physicians, nurses, and administrative staff, all of whom had experience with the COVID-19 response. Results: We extracted 1,496 semantic units, 16 subcategories, and 5 categories. The participants experienced confusion at being inserted into the infectious disease response without a thorough understanding of the work due to the sudden appearance of COVID-19.In the absence of precise manuals or designated consultancies, the participants’ confusion was exacerbated by frequent changes to guidelines and insufficient communication, and they felt despair by others’ passive attitudes, which contradicted their own feelings. They also felt bewildered that they were not supported by policy, despite having chosen to support a great cause in an emergency. Excessive workloads led to health problems. Nevertheless, the participants actively sought help, received support, made efforts to construct the response environment, and felt a sense of reward when they witnessed the results. The participants emphasized the need to build up the inadequate public healthcare system in Ulsan to prepare for future novel infectious diseases, to maintain a trained, professional workforce, and to secure a sufficient budget to provide support and compensation. Conclusion The findings indicate that local governments need to establish public healthcare systems and secure professionals for responding to novel infectious diseases.

Objective: This study aimed to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of chronic disease management services utilizing ICT for patients with chronic illnesses. Methods: From May to December, 2023, 452 people who were diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes at 9 participating public health centers were provided with customized health care services for 24 weeks, and 15 performance indicators were analyzed to evaluate their effectiveness. Results: Health behavior indicators and health risk factors decreased before and after participation in the project, blood pressure control rate, hypertension and diabetes management rate, medication compliance, weight, BMI, BP, WC, FBG, and HDL-cholesterol improved(p<0.001).Service factors that influence the improvement of health behaviors included the number of activity monitor transmissions(p=0.049), confirmed concentrated consultations on physical activity(p=0.003) and nutrition(p=0.005), and the adherence to medication missions for hypertension(p=0.020).As for service factors influencing chronic disease management, the improvement in blood pressure regulation rate was due to the number of times the blood pressure monitor was linked(p=0.004), and the number of confirmed intensive consultations on physical activity(p=0.026), and nutrition(p=0.049); the improvement in hypertension control rate was due to the number of times the activity monitor and blood pressure monitor were linked(p<0.001), and the number of hypertension medication missions carried out (p=0.004); and the improvement in diabetes control rate was due to the number of times the blood pressure monitor(p=0.022) and blood sugar system were linked(p=0.017). Conclusion Although this study has limitations as a comparative study before and after the service, it has proved that chronic disease management using ICT has a positive effect on improvement of health behavior indicator, reduction of health risk factors, hypertension, diabetes management index, weight, BMI, TG, BP, FBG improvement.