Initial Development of User-Based Quality Evaluation Questionnaire of Smartwatch Technology for Applying to Healthcare.

Background: Smartwatches are a consumer wearable device offering a potential, practical, and affordable method to collect personal health data in healthy adults. For patients with chronic diseases, this would enable symptom monitoring and aid clinical decision making. Therefore, providing customized checklists to recommend smartwatches is beneficial. However, few studies have evaluated the practical functions of smartwatches and their influence on user acceptance. We aimed at developing a reliable tool to assess the quality of smartwatches from the users' perspective. Methods: To develop the smartwatch rating scale (SWRS), we conducted a comprehensive literature review as well as reviewed relevant websites. The SWRS includes 22 items for the usability (usability, functionality, safety, material, and display) and five items for the acceptance and adoption domain (satisfaction and intention). We measured the scale's internal consistency and inter-rater reliability by evaluating seven smartwatches. Results: The overall scale demonstrated an excellent level of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91), with each subscale's internal consistency above good level (0.74 ~ 0.92). Inter-rater reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) was at good level (2-way random ICC = 0.82, 95% CI 0.09 - 0.97). Conclusions: The SWRS is reliable, which can meet the need for assessment of smartwatch technology for utilizing in personal healthcare. Accounting for users' perspectives will help make the most of technology without impairing the human aspects of care, this study can help consumers choose a smartwatch based on their preferences and provide guidelines for developing user-friendly wearable devices aimed at health behavior changes.

Psycho-behavioural factors influencing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults: The moderating role of age.

AIMS: This study aimed to identify the psycho-behavioural factors influencing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults. We examined the primary effects of eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self-efficacy on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy using the information-motivation-behavioural skills (IMB) model. The moderating effect of age on the relationship between psycho-behavioural factors and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy was also examined. DESIGN: The study used a cross-sectional survey design. METHODS: An online survey was completed by 500 Korean adults (253 men and 247 women) aged 20-60 years. Data collection took place in May 2021. The constructed hypothetical model for eHealth literacy, social responsibility, self-efficacy and age was evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). RESULTS: eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self-efficacy had significant negative effects on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. Age had a significant moderating effect on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. The moderating effects of age on the relationship between eHealth literacy and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and between social responsibility and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy enhanced the explanatory power by high effect size. The overall fitness of the hypothetical model was good. The standardized root mean square residual value was 0.007, which explained 18.5% of the COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. CONCLUSION: To reduce COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Korean adults, a strategic approach that considers age should be adopted to enhance eHealth literacy, social responsibility and self-efficacy. IMPACT: The findings of this study suggest that providing correct health information online related to the COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be effective in decreasing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in older individuals, whereas inspiring a sense of social responsibility is more likely to be effective in younger individuals. These strategic nursing interventions could contribute to improving COVID-19 vaccination rates among Korean adults.

[Effects of Hospital Characteristics on Employment Rate, Working Period and Retirement of Ward Nurses in Korea: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on HIRAS Data].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of hospital characteristics on employment rate, working period, and retirement of ward nurses in Korea through a retrospective cohort study based on HIRAS data. METHODS: Data were obtained from a report on medical care institutions of Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRAS). Data from 259,941 nurses who were working for a day or more from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2016, at 2,942 medical care institutions were analyzed. Life table method analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis were conducted. RESULTS: The employment rates of 5 yeas and 10 years for the total sample were 38% and 28%, respectively. The estimated mean value of the working period was 3,642.7 days (SE: 17.4 days). Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed that nurses who were working at the general hospital/hospital, clinic, and nursing hospital were more likely to leave the hospital compared to those who were working at the 3rd general hospital. Nurses who were working at the medical institutions which were located in cities and countries, established by the private foundation, rated lower levels of nursing, and owned an insufficient number of beds, nurses and doctors were more likely to leave their workplace compared to those of the counterparts. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that hospital characteristics may play a significant role in retirement and working period of ward nurses in Korea. The improvement of hospital conditions to reduce ward nurses' retirement are needed.

Hospital Nurses' Perceived Patient Safety Culture and Adverse Nurse Outcomes in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Hospital nurses are likely to be the first to observe patient safety issues in clinical settings, and thus it is important to include their views on patient safety culture. However, there are few studies addressing the influence of nurses' perceived patient safety culture on adverse nurse outcomes as quality of care. PURPOSE: This study was to identify the relationship between nurses' perceptions of patient safety culture and adverse nurse outcomes in Korea. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was included 299 nurses at two tertiary hospitals. Hierarchical linear regression was conducted to examine the impact of patient safety culture on adverse nurse outcomes among hospital nurses. RESULTS: The mean score of patient safety culture and adverse nurse outcomes were 3.50 out of 5 points and 3.07 out of 4 points respectively. In hierarchical linear regression, hospital work environment, the attitude of supervisor/manager, and hospital climate/culture of patient safety culture predicted adverse nurse outcomes after adjusting for general characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: It is crucial for healthcare facilities to assess or evaluate their current patient safety culture perceptions on a regular basis. Furthermore, provision workshops and staff training on changing behaviors and perceptions regarding patient safety activities can improve nursing performance in clinical settings.

Associations between Health Literacy, Cancer-Related Knowledge, and Preventive Health Behaviors in Community-Dwelling Korean Adults.

This cross-sectional study aimed to examine the association between health literacy, cancer-related knowledge, and preventive health behaviors among community-dwelling adults in Korea. Data were collected from 542 adults aged ≥ 18 years living in five big provinces in Korea (Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Gyeongsang-do, Chungcheong-do, and Gangwon-do). Socio-demographic and health-related characteristics were determined using structured questionnaires. Health literacy, cancer-related knowledge, and engagement in preventive health behaviors were measured using validated instruments. These three variables differed according to socio-demographic and health-related characteristics, such as education, sex, age, and marital status. In the hierarchical regression analysis, health literacy (ß = 0.26, p < .001) and cancer-related knowledge (ß = 0.21, p < .001) were significant predictors of preventive health behavior after adjusting for confounding variables. Cancer-related knowledge partially mediated the effect of health literacy on preventive health behaviors. Health literacy can play a key role in cancer prevention. It is important for healthcare providers to know how to deliver cancer-related knowledge and how to help people with low health literacy to engage in preventive health behaviors, using a variety of health information resources. Further research is needed to develop the instruments to assess comprehension of spoken and written health messages for cancer prevention and screening.

Quality of life of women with urinary incontinence: a systematic literature review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to review studies that have examined the quality of life of women with urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review was conducted that used the databases PubMED, Proquest, CINAHL, and Sciencedirect. Articles were included that were published in English between 2005 and 2010 the key words use were urinary incontinence, women, and quality of life. RESULTS: A total of 18 studies were identified, and the prevalence of urinary incontinence varied depending on the definition of incontinence used and the age of the population studied. The Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QoL), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-short form (IIQ-7), and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were the most commonly used instruments. Demographic, medical, physical, psychological, health, and intervention factors were reported as influencing factors on the quality of life of women with incontinence. Age, severity of urinary incontinence, type of urinary incontinence, number of urinary incontinence episodes, body weight, stress, and help-seeking behavior were statistically significant variables influencing quality of life. CONCLUSION: Future studies are needed to identify factors related to quality of life among women with incontinence and to use validated instruments according to specific subjects.

[Factors influencing functional status in patients with heart failure].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that influence the functional status of patients with heart failure. METHOD: A descriptive, correlational study design was used. The participants in this study were 260 patients with heart failure who were admitted at Y University and U University in Seoul, Korea. Between September 2005 and December 2005 data was collected by an interview using a questionnaire and from medical records. The Functional status was measured with KASI. Physical factors (dyspnea, ankle edema, chest pain, fatigue, and sleep dysfunction), psychological factors (anxiety and depression), and situational factors (self-management compliance and family support) were examined. RESULT: In general, the functional status, anxiety, depression, self-management compliance, and family support was relatively not good. The level of fatigue was highest and the level of ankle edema was lowest for physical symptom experiences. In regression analysis, functional status was significantly influenced by dyspnea(23%), age(13%), monthly income(7%), fatigue(3%), ankle edema(2%), depression(1%), and length of stay in the hospital(1%). These factors explained 50% of the variables in the functional status. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that psycho-physiological symptoms management should be a focus to improve the functional status in patients with heart failure.

Activity intolerance and impaired physical mobility in elders.

PURPOSE: To clarify the use of two nursing diagnoses, activity intolerance and impaired physical mobility, with elderly patients. METHOD: Ninety-two elders from a long-term care facility in Wonju, Korea. A checklist developed by the researchers was used for data collection. FINDINGS: Defining characteristics from this study related to psychological components of activity intolerance are significant in differentiating between the two diagnoses. Using a decision-making tree based on data from this study, each nursing diagnosis can be correctly identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are significant in broadening the defining characteristics to be used in differentiating between two nursing diagnoses. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Clarification of nursing diagnoses serves to direct students and nurses to choosing appropriate interventions.

Predictors of mammography participation among rural Korean women age 40 and over.

PURPOSE: The study was conducted to identify predictors of mammography screening for rural Korean women according to 'Stage of Change' from the Transtheoretical Model which, along with the Health Belief Model, formed the theoretical basis for this study. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive design was utilized. Through convenience sampling 432 women were selected from 2 rural areas. Data were collected by survey. Health beliefs constructs were measured with Champion's HBM Scale-Korea version. Mammography participation was measured using the Stage of Mammography Adoption Scale developed by Rakowski, et al. (1992). RESULTS: The most frequent stage of mammography adoption was 'contemplation' (40.5%). Predictors of stage of mammography adoption included 'mammogram recommended by health professional' (beta=0.59, t=16.12, p=.000), 'perceived benefits' (beta=0.09, t=2.21, p=.050), 'perceived susceptibility' (beta=0.09, t=1.98, p=.050), and 'perceived barriers' (beta= 0.07, t= -2.05, p=.041). 'Mammogram recommended by health professional' demonstrated the greatest association with having a mammogram. CONCLUSION: Health professionals play key roles in improving mammography participation and should recognize the importance of their role in cancer prevention and be more actively involved in education and counseling on prevention of breast cancer.

[Content analysis of the experience of preceptors in clinical education for senior student nurses].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify experiences of nurses who served as preceptors in clinical education for senior student nurses in a college of medicine in Wonju city. METHOD: Data was collected from 20 preceptors instructing senior student nurses in 2001 using a self-completion questionnaire. To analyze data, content analysis was done using an analysis scheme developed by the investigators. RESULT: The analysis scheme consisted of 7 categories and 25 subcategories. 135 significant statements were analyzed and categorized. Preceptors indicated that they were role models, socialization facilitators and educators while instructing students in the clinical practicum. In performing the preceptors' role, preceptors reported that their most important change was self-enhancement,and positive experience was a constructive work atmosphere. The most important factor facilitating the preceptors' role performance was support from head nurses, and the most discouraging factor was work loads. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that interventions for encouragement and socialization of preceptors should be developed to promote clinical education for senior student nurses.