This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.

This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.

Background: Distal nerve block approaches have been explored to reduce hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP) more effectively than interscalene block (ISB). However, these approaches are associated with a high incidence of HDP. The costoclavicular block (CCB) provides effective analgesia while reducing HDP. Here, we hypothesized that CCB would decrease the incidence of HDP compared to ISB while still providing effective pain relief after surgery. Methods: Seventy patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomly allocated to receive either ultrasound-guided CCB (n = 35) or ISB (n = 35). Each group received 0.2% ropivacaine (20 ml CCB, 10 ml ISB). The primary outcome was the incidence of HDP, as measured using M-mode ultrasound. Diaphragmatic excursion, pulmonary function test results, opioid consumption, and pain scores were evaluated. Results: Sixty-six patients were included. CCB group had a significantly lower incidence of HDP than those in the ISB group (5.9% vs. 84.4%, P < 0.001). The diaphragmatic excursion reduction was significantly more in the ISB (3.87 cm) group than in the CCB (0.25 cm) group (P < 0.001). The decrease in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s from baseline was significantly greater in the ISB. There was no significant difference in opioid consumption between the two groups during the entire postoperative period. Conclusions Compared with ISB, CCB significantly reduced the incidence of HDP while maintaining effective analgesia and causing less pulmonary function impairment. CCB may be a viable option for diaphragmatic-sparing analgesia after shoulder surgery.

This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.

This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.

Background: Distal nerve block approaches have been explored to reduce hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP) more effectively than interscalene block (ISB). However, these approaches are associated with a high incidence of HDP. The costoclavicular block (CCB) provides effective analgesia while reducing HDP. Here, we hypothesized that CCB would decrease the incidence of HDP compared to ISB while still providing effective pain relief after surgery. Methods: Seventy patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomly allocated to receive either ultrasound-guided CCB (n = 35) or ISB (n = 35). Each group received 0.2% ropivacaine (20 ml CCB, 10 ml ISB). The primary outcome was the incidence of HDP, as measured using M-mode ultrasound. Diaphragmatic excursion, pulmonary function test results, opioid consumption, and pain scores were evaluated. Results: Sixty-six patients were included. CCB group had a significantly lower incidence of HDP than those in the ISB group (5.9% vs. 84.4%, P < 0.001). The diaphragmatic excursion reduction was significantly more in the ISB (3.87 cm) group than in the CCB (0.25 cm) group (P < 0.001). The decrease in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s from baseline was significantly greater in the ISB. There was no significant difference in opioid consumption between the two groups during the entire postoperative period. Conclusions Compared with ISB, CCB significantly reduced the incidence of HDP while maintaining effective analgesia and causing less pulmonary function impairment. CCB may be a viable option for diaphragmatic-sparing analgesia after shoulder surgery.

Background: Distal nerve block approaches have been explored to reduce hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP) more effectively than interscalene block (ISB). However, these approaches are associated with a high incidence of HDP. The costoclavicular block (CCB) provides effective analgesia while reducing HDP. Here, we hypothesized that CCB would decrease the incidence of HDP compared to ISB while still providing effective pain relief after surgery. Methods: Seventy patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomly allocated to receive either ultrasound-guided CCB (n = 35) or ISB (n = 35). Each group received 0.2% ropivacaine (20 ml CCB, 10 ml ISB). The primary outcome was the incidence of HDP, as measured using M-mode ultrasound. Diaphragmatic excursion, pulmonary function test results, opioid consumption, and pain scores were evaluated. Results: Sixty-six patients were included. CCB group had a significantly lower incidence of HDP than those in the ISB group (5.9% vs. 84.4%, P < 0.001). The diaphragmatic excursion reduction was significantly more in the ISB (3.87 cm) group than in the CCB (0.25 cm) group (P < 0.001). The decrease in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s from baseline was significantly greater in the ISB. There was no significant difference in opioid consumption between the two groups during the entire postoperative period. Conclusions Compared with ISB, CCB significantly reduced the incidence of HDP while maintaining effective analgesia and causing less pulmonary function impairment. CCB may be a viable option for diaphragmatic-sparing analgesia after shoulder surgery.

Background: Distal nerve block approaches have been explored to reduce hemidiaphragmatic paresis (HDP) more effectively than interscalene block (ISB). However, these approaches are associated with a high incidence of HDP. The costoclavicular block (CCB) provides effective analgesia while reducing HDP. Here, we hypothesized that CCB would decrease the incidence of HDP compared to ISB while still providing effective pain relief after surgery. Methods: Seventy patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were randomly allocated to receive either ultrasound-guided CCB (n = 35) or ISB (n = 35). Each group received 0.2% ropivacaine (20 ml CCB, 10 ml ISB). The primary outcome was the incidence of HDP, as measured using M-mode ultrasound. Diaphragmatic excursion, pulmonary function test results, opioid consumption, and pain scores were evaluated. Results: Sixty-six patients were included. CCB group had a significantly lower incidence of HDP than those in the ISB group (5.9% vs. 84.4%, P < 0.001). The diaphragmatic excursion reduction was significantly more in the ISB (3.87 cm) group than in the CCB (0.25 cm) group (P < 0.001). The decrease in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s from baseline was significantly greater in the ISB. There was no significant difference in opioid consumption between the two groups during the entire postoperative period. Conclusions Compared with ISB, CCB significantly reduced the incidence of HDP while maintaining effective analgesia and causing less pulmonary function impairment. CCB may be a viable option for diaphragmatic-sparing analgesia after shoulder surgery.

This review examines the challenges associated with occupational disease surveillance in Korea, particularly emphasizing the limitations of current data sources such as the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (IACI) statistics and special health examinations. The IACI system undercounts cases due to its emphasis on severe diseases and restrictions on approvals. Special health examinations, although they cover a broad workforce, are constrained by their annual scheduling, which leads to missed acute illnesses and subclinical conditions. The paper also explores the history of occupational disease surveillance in Korea, highlighting the fragmented and disease-specific approach of earlier systems. The authors introduce the newly established Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center (KODSC), a comprehensive nationwide system designed to gather, analyze, and interpret data on occupational diseases through a network of regional centers. By incorporating hospital-based surveillance and focusing on acute poisonings and other sentinel events, the KODSC aims to overcome the limitations of previous systems and promote collaboration with various agencies. Although it is still in the early stages of implementation, the KODSC demonstrates potential for improving data accuracy and contributing valuable insights for public health policy.

Background: Group genetic counseling has been implemented to meet growing demand.A metaverse platform, in which a society is built and activities are carried out in the virtual world, has not yet been implemented in group genetic counseling. We investigated whether a metaverse platform could be an alternative service-delivery model for group genetic counseling. Methods: Participants (N=131) were divided into three groups: patient (N=45), family (N= 43), and interested (N = 43) groups. Participants entered the metaverse through a link sent to their mobile phones and attended a 20-min group genetic counseling session reviewing hereditary breast cancer, followed by a 10-min question-and-answer period. Results: The overall median score of post-educational knowledge (9.0, range 8.0–10.0) significantly increased compared to that of pre-educational knowledge (6.0, range 3.0– 8.0) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the pre- and post-educational knowledge scores among the three groups (P > 0.05). Most participants (95%) responded that their understanding of hereditary breast cancer had increased after the group genetic counseling session and that their satisfaction was high. The main advantage noted with metaverse was no limit of space and location while attending the session (97%), and the main disadvantage was a possibility of missing content due to an unstable internet connection (67%). Conclusions The metaverse platform would be acceptable as an alternative group genetic counseling service. More studies are needed to investigate how, for whom, and in what circumstances metaverse can be effectively utilized.