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Purpose: Tumors of the foot and ankle account for approximately 3%~5% of all musculoskeletal tumors, and accurate diagnosis is often delayed due to their rare prevalence. Therefore, the authors aimed to analyze the incidence, treatment methods, and prognostic factors of foot and ankle tumors treated at the authors' hospital. Materials and Methods: A retrospective single-center study examined 342 patients treated for foot and ankle tumors at the authors' hospital from January 2011 to February 2022. Data were collected from the electronic medical records (EMR) and picture archiving and communication systems (PACS). The information analyzed included gender, age, follow-up period, diagnosis, tumor occurrence and recurrence, treatment, and clinical outcomes. Results: Most cases (93.3%) were benign, but 6.7% were malignant. The main treatment for malignant tumors was surgical resection (91.3%). Approximately 53.1% of benign tumors and 91.3% of malignant tumors were treated with surgery, and two of the malignant tumors that did not undergo surgery had metastatic cancer. After surgery, 8.2% of benign lesions and 19.0% of malignant lesions recurred, and 9.5% of the patients with malignant tumors died after surgery. Conclusion: Most foot and ankle tumors are benign tumors, and the prognosis is not poor if treated properly, but most malignant tumors often require amputation. In some cases, however, amputation can be avoided with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study performed an integrated review based on Roy's adaptation modes of physiological-physical and psycho-social integration to identify health problems and measure health management of child and adolescent cancer survivors. Methods: Based on 'Whittemore and Knafl's stages' of an integrative review process (problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis, and presentation of the results), six databases (Google Scholar, CINAHL, PubMed, RISS, KISS, and DBpia) were used to retrieve relevant articles. A total of 992 variables were collected from 14 studies published between 2011 and 2023. Results: Three thematic categories were identified: physiological-physical and psycho-social health problems (fatigue, diminished physical activity, physical sequela, sleep disorders, endocrine problems, bullying, and prejudice), daily self care management(lifestyles integrating health promotion, adaptation processes, and self-care), and preventive health management(utilization of health checkups and screening tests). Conclusion: Nursing interventions that can result in a healthy lifestyle for child and adolescent cancer survivors should be further examined at the individual, community, and national levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of group education reflecting unmet needs led by Nurse Practitioners (NPs) on essential knowledge regarding chemotherapy for cancer patients and their families undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Conducted at a tertiary general hospital in Seoul from December 30, 2020, to April 30, 2022, this study, which is based on a one group pre-post design, involved 104 cancer patients and their families. It assessed differences in knowledge regarding chemotherapy and satisfaction levels by means of participation through video-based group education led by NPs. The data were analyzed with SAS version 9.4 using paired t-tests and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The average score of knowledge regarding chemotherapy increased from 80.0 to 89.8 (p<.001). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, being less than 50 years old (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]=13.56, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.76~10.20) and having a college degree or higher (aOR=3.99, 95% CI: 1.15~13.82) were associated with an increase in knowledge regarding chemotherapy. Satisfaction with participation in the group education program was also reported to be high. Conclusion: This study aimed to develop and implement a group education program for cancer patients and their families undergoing chemotherapy, assess changes in knowledge levels, and investigate satisfaction with the program. As a result of the study, the average score of patients who received the group education program increased; thus, it is an effective method for improving the degree of knowledge about the daily life of cancer patients and the management of side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In recent years, the demand for fertility preservation for both oncologic and nononcologic reasons, as well as for personal reasons, has increased dramatically. Current Concepts: Currently, embryo and oocyte cryopreservation after ovarian stimulation are the mainstays of fertility preservation treatment in women. Embryo cryopreservation is an established and the most successful method of fertility preservation when sufficient time (approximately 2 weeks) is available to perform ovarian stimulation. Recent advances in freezing techniques (vitrification) have significantly improved the outcomes from oocyte cryopreservation that are comparable with those from embryo cryopreservation. Discussion and Conclusion: This review focuses on the indications for the two techniques of fertility preservation and their results. For women to receive timely opportunities to preserve fertility, it is necessary to raise awareness among all medical departments and the public. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of ototoxicity related to chemotherapy (cisplatin) and management status among nurses and doctors. Methods: The participating subjects were 247 nurses working in the oncology ward and the anti-cancer injection room and 40 internal medicine doctors in C University Hospital of D City. The data were collected from October to November 2019, using a self-report structured questionnaire and analyzed by the SPSS/WIN 24.0 program. Results: As a result of this study, 51.4% of nurses answered that they had knowledge of ototoxicity, 33.5% provided prior information on ototoxicity, and 4.5% provided information on the hearing test before cisplatin administration. The group with knowledge of cisplatin-related ototoxicity provided more information on both ototoxicity (χ²=105.02, p<.001) and hearing test (χ²=5.27, p=.022) than the group without knowledge of ototoxicity. The provision of education, including the contents of ototoxicity, improved the nurses' knowledge about cisplatin-related ototoxicity, and it was found that more information about hearing loss was provided. Conclusion: It was confirmed that education on the symptoms of cisplatin-related ototoxicity was required and no ototoxicity management system was in place. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an ototoxicity management program at the hospital level, which will have an effect on improving nursing practice for cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cancer has been the leading cause of death in Korea for more than 40 years. As the aging population in the country increases, this trend is expected to continue. Cancer care is also being subdivided into specialties according to the development of medical technology. This division of care has made it difficult for a single physician to set up a complete cancer treatment plan. As a result, the call for multidisciplinary care has risen. Multidisciplinary cancer care allows physicians to share opinions and choose optimal patient treatment plans across multiple specialties. In August 2014, the Ministry of Health and Welfare designated a set number of approved multidisciplinary treatments and has included them under its health insurance coverage. As a result, multidisciplinary care is rapidly increasing. Current Concepts: An analysis on cancer care was conducted from 2014 to 2018, which examined the average medical expenses, hospitalization costs, and surgery costs per person according to therapeutic modality. Findings showed that multidisciplinary care decreased the overall cost of medical care in cancer patients compared to segmented care provided by single specialty physicians. Discussion and Conclusion: This study predicted that multidisciplinary care would be effective in reducing medical expenses. Cancer patients do not need to be treated by individual subspecialty physicians when personalized care treatment plans through a multidisciplinary approach is possible. The results of this study show that the Korean government should expand health insurance premium support and coverage for multidisciplinary cancer care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many cancer patients experience psychological suffering during their journey from diagnosis, through treatment, to survivorship or the end of life. Their psychological distress can become severe enough to interfere with their ability to cope with cancer. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and delirium often occur among cancer patients. Although distress is prevalent in cancer patients, it is often under-recognized and under-treated in the oncology setting. Psychological distress may have a negative effect on patients' quality of life. The prevention, early detection, and proper management of distress are important for improving patients' quality of life during and after cancer treatment. It is therefore necessary to develop a system for assessing and managing distress. The US National Comprehensive Cancer Network developed guidelines for distress management in 1999. Korean recommendations for distress management were released in 2009. The Korean government recently designated integrated supportive care centers for survivors at the National Cancer Center and regional cancer centers. The supportive care service is provided for cancer survivors who have completed first-line anti-cancer treatment. Psycho-oncology is one of the most important components of supportive care in cancer. Distress management yields many benefits for cancer patients, but the reality is that significantly distressed patients are often not properly referred for psychosocial care. All distressed patients should be properly referred for psychosocial care, and the psychosocial care of cancer patients should be integrated into routine cancer care practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, the hospice nursing research trend in 1998~2017 was investigated by analyzing research articles on hospice nursing. Methods: Literature search was performed with keywords of 'nursing' and 'hospice on an academic research information service. Also reviewed were all articles published in the Korean Journal of Nursing Science and its 8 subcategory journals, the Korean Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care and the Korean Hospice Association from 1998 through 2017, except thesis papers. Results: In 2013~2017, 79 articles (31.0%) were relevant, up over 7% from 61 articles (23.9%) in 2008~2012. The most studied field was psychology (92 papers, 36.2%) in the Korean Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care. Enrolled in most papers were patients with end-stage cancer (75, 29.5%), which is overwhelmingly high. Most studies used quantitative methods (183, 72.0%). Recognition was the most studied theme (62, 24.4%), and 16 of them focused on recognition of death (6.3%). Intervention studies totaled 34 (13.4%), and most of them (7, 2.8%) were conducted for palliative education. Conclusion: Most hospice nursing studies were quantitative studies, conducted with patients, and hospice nursing intervention programs were similar to each other. Thus, more studies with hospice patients and their families are needed. And more experimental and qualitative studies are needed to build an evidence-based nursing study environment. Considering how most studies examined psychological factors, physiological factors such as pain, a major issue in hospice care, should be analyzed in experimental studies to construct a pain intervention program for hospice patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate treatment of cancer patients at a secondary hospital. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed with electronic medical records of cancer patients admitted to a secondary hospital from January 1, 2009 through September 31, 2017. Results: A total of 223 patients were studied. Sixty-nine patients were hospitalized for supportive care after receiving a surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy at a tertiary hospital, 58 patients for other supportive care, 53 patients for symptom control, 16 patients with a decision not to take active cancer treatment, and 27 patients for treatment of cancer that was diagnosed during their hospital stay. Among 75 patients who were discharged to other institutions, 50 were transferred to tertiary hospitals, 10 to long-term care hospitals, eight to hospice hospitals, four to nursing homes and two to secondary hospitals. Comorbidities were found in 120 patients (53.8%). For patients who consulted with more than one department, more consultations were for non-cancer diseases than cancer. Seventy-three patients had a do-not-resuscitate order. Conclusion: For treatment of cancer patients, it is needed to establish a cooperation system among medical institutions and provide comprehensive management including treatment of comorbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of smart health care service in the breast cancer patients through a sys- tematic review. Methods: For the study, 10 studies were selected by using PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, CINAHL, RISS4U, KISS, DBpia and the National Assembly Library. The Risk of Bias Assessment Tool was used by two reviewers to evaluate independently the quality of the selected articles. Results: 10 studies for the analysis of the effect of smart health care service using mobile applications on breast cancer patients since 2000 were found. The purpose of mobile based intervention was to check whether post-operative outpatient follow up could be substituted with mobile apps to measure and monitor weight loss or weight management, sleep, mood, depression and mental state, exercise, uncertainty management and feedback. Conclusion: Although mobile research is still limited, it may be sufficient to monitor the symptoms of breast cancer patients and to provide dietary and exercise interventions. This study suggests that various mobile apps can be used for breast cancer patients in various situations. Future study is recommended for repeated intervention studies on the effect of apps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to suggests mobile application service that helps to reduce physical and mental suffering after surgery for breast cancer patients constantly increasing. At first, I analyze literature research to understand the breast cancer and similar services for achieving study purposes. After I finally design a mobile application that offers to customed one-to-one specialist coaching service focused on post-treatment management by using a double diamond design process model. In detail, first, I analyze the current program and comprehend user needs through interviews with the person such as breast patient, protector, nurse, salesperson in cancer center. Second, I specify the entire scenario, concept and keyword based on the persona and the customer journey map representing user. Third, I propose the mobile application for the ultimate goal by producing prototype to effectively communicate with specific functional descriptions. I hope this service will improve the quality of their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polarization of cancer patient management is rooted in aspects of the Korean health care system, so a solution to this problem should be introduced on the basis of systemic guidelines that shape national policy. Strengthening the capacity of regional cancer centers by establishing organizations of large-scale cancer hospitals, cancer rehabilitation hospitals, and local primary care clinics could be another approach to solving this problem. Large-scale cancer hospitals should pay attention to patient education regarding life after cancer treatment and should provide close assistance to patients. Cancer rehabilitation hospitals should focus on cancer rehabilitation, not unproven therapies. The systematic cooperation of large-scale cancer hospitals, cancer rehabilitation hospitals, and local primary care clinics is of the utmost important for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is the most common cause of death in Korea. Nationwide cancer statistics, the early detection of cancer, and quality control and feedback regarding cancer treatment are very important for improving the outcomes of cancer patients. In Korea, a national cancer center analyzes cancer statistics and reports them annually. A national cancer screening program for the early detection of 5 major types of cancer has been implemented, as well as an assessment analysis of cancer treatments in each hospital. To further improve the outcomes of cancer treatment, national-level support, the continuous evidence-based modification of policies, support for the families of cancer patients, and mounting a publicity campaign for cancer prevention and screening are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the multidisciplinary cancer treatment (MCT), it is necessary that radiologists participate in the patients' care, and they might be directly involved to the new practice methods including outpatient clinics. Face-to-face MCT is the most desirable practice method because satisfaction and compliance of the patients is high. However, it should be restrictively expanded due to practical problems such as lack of manpower. As a practical alternative, there is non-face-to-face MCT, like a tumor board, and it has many advantages to overcome the limitations of face-to-face MCT. Therefore, it is necessary to establish policies to support that both two types of MCT are stimulated so that the patients are able to get the optimized cancer management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer care is very complicated, and given the rapidly developing knowledge and technology related to cancer management, multidisciplinary team approach has become essential to determine the optimal treatment plan in an efficient way. It is expected to improve the clinical outcomes in cancer treatment. Multidisciplinary team approach is increasingly implemented across cancer care services throughout the world. In many developed countries, it has been a principle way of managing cancer patients and the organizing multidisciplinary teams has become a mandatory requirement. The team usually includes surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and also radiologists. In Korea, reimbursing multidisciplinary care for cancer patients has been implemented since August 2014. From short experiences, many practical issues were raised to improve this newly established cancer care service successfully in the current medical system in Korea. This review briefly describes the potential benefits of multidisciplinary team working in cancer care and suggests the several requirements to improve the multidisciplinary care service for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer care can be complex with increased specialization within disciplines and more-sophisticated treatment techniques. Multidisciplinary care (MDC) is an integrated team approach to bring together a group of health professionals with appropriate skills to consider patient's treatment and care options. MDC are now conducted worldwide and is recommended as best practice for the management of patients with cancer. There is increasing evidence that MDC improves quality of care, treatment outcomes of patient with cancer and. other clinical outcomes, but concerns are raised over the paucity of good-quality evidence on their overall impact. In this review, we described available evidence on the impact of cancer MDC, and also reviewed focused on cancer MDC strategy depending on countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most widely used anticancer agents, with indications and established protocols in a range of childhood and adult cancers. High dose MTX (HD-MTX) requires aggressive care to prevent toxicity. Limited inpatient conditions are forcing major changes in health care delivery patterns and decisions. We conducted a retrospective study to describe the safety, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of HD-MTX administration in the outpatient setting. Methods: Patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who underwent HD-MTX (3 g/m²) administration in either the inpatient (N=70) or outpatient setting (N=70) from January to July 2012 were included. In the outpatient setting, HD-MTX was administered intravenously (IV) over 6 hours and included hydration with sodium bicarbonate (2000 ml/m²/ for 12 hours). Daily visits to the outpatient setting followed. Leucovorin was given 24 hours after MTX at a standard dose (15 mg/m² IV bolus) every 6 hours. We compared the serum drug levels of MTX, hematologic and renal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, frequency of subsequent unscheduled outpatient visits and readmission episodes, medical expenses and duration of hospital stay between the two groups. Results: HD-MTX administrations were successfully completed in both groups. No significant differences were found between the two groups for the parameters studied. Patients who received HD-MTX in the inpatient setting had 2.37 times and 2.24 times greater medical expenses and duration of hospital stay respectively than outpatient recipients. Conclusion: This study suggests that HD-MTX administration done with aggressive monitoring in the outpatient setting is safe and efficient, without a greater incidence of major toxicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the influence of posttraumatic growth and meaning in life on health promotion behavior in cancer patients. Methods: The participants were 124 cancer patients who were treated at a general hospital in Pusan. Data were collected for posttraumatic growth, meaning in life, and health promotion behavior. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients and stepwise multiple regression with SPSS 21.0. Results: The mean scores were health promotion behavior 2.72±0.47, posttraumatic growth 3.38±0.89, and meaning in life 3.29±0.59. The scores of health promotion behavior were significantly different by gender, perceived economic status, and economic difficulties due to diagnosis. Health promotion behavior had a significant correlation with posttraumatic growth and meaning in life. In multiple regression analysis, meaning in life and posttraumatic growth accounted for 26.0% of health promotion behavior. Conclusion: Posttraumatic growth and meaning in life were important factors that could be used to improve the health promotion behavior of cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the Mindfulness Meditation program on perceived stress, ways of coping, salivary cortisol level, and psychological stress response in patients with breast cancer. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a non-equivalent control group pre-post test design. Participants in this study were 50 patients who had completed breast cancer treatment (experimental group, 25, control group, 25). The experimental group received the Mindfulness Meditation program for 3 hours/session/ week for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using X²-test and t-test for subject homogeneity verification, and ANCOVA to examine the hypotheses. Results: The experimental group had significantly lower scores for perceived stress, emotional focused coping, salivary cortisol level, and psychological stress response compared to the control group. However, no significant differences were found between two groups for the scores on problem focused stress coping. Conclusion: According to the results, the Mindfulness Meditation program was useful for decreasing perceived stress, emotional focused coping, salivary cortisol level, and psychological stress response. Therefore, this program is an effective nursing intervention to decrease stress in patients with breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]