Korean Journal of Acupuncture

Society for Meridian and Acupoint (경락경혈학회)
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A Survey on the Utilization and Demand of Thermotherapy Devices in Korean Medical Institutions

한방의료기관의 온열 치료 기기 활용 현황 및 개발 수요에 대한 조사 연구

  • So-Young In (Department of Anatomy and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University) ;
  • Su-Ran Lim (Department of Anatomy and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University) ;
  • Ji-Yeun Park (Department of Meridian & Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University) ;
  • Jung-Hwan Park (Department of Bionano Technology, College of Bio-Nano Technology, Gachon University) ;
  • Song-Yi Kim (Department of Anatomy and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University)
  • 인소영 (가천대학교 한의과대학 해부경혈학교실) ;
  • 임수란 (가천대학교 한의과대학 해부경혈학교실) ;
  • 박지연 (대전대학교 한의과대학 경락경혈학교실) ;
  • 박정환 (가천대학교 바이오나노대학 바이오나노학과) ;
  • 김송이 (가천대학교 한의과대학 해부경혈학교실)
  • Received : 2023.11.02
  • Accepted : 2023.12.02
  • Published : 2023.12.27
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Abstract

Objectives : This study investigated the current utilization status of thermotherapy devices in Korean medicine (KM) institutions and identified areas for improvement and further development, as perceived by KM doctors (KMDs). Methods : An online survey was conducted, targeting KMDs primarily engaged in clinical patient care. The questionnaire included items about respondents' clinical practices, the extent of thermotherapy device usage, their opinions on these devices, and perceived improvement needs. The collected data underwent quantitative analysis. Results : From the 1,025 respondents, data from 862 respondents who provided complete responses were analyzed. On average, respondents utilized thermotherapy treatments for 80% of their patients. Infrared (IR) phototherapy unit, electrical moxibustion apparatus, and heater-based thermotherapy devices were predominantly owned by respondents, with IR being the most frequently used. The average satisfaction score for current thermotherapy devices was 79. A significant concern raised was the necessity for improved health insurance coverage and efficacy evaluation. Conclusions : This research has confirmed that the extensive use of thermotherapy devices by KMDs in treating primarily musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal ailments - common conditions among patients in KM institutions. The main areas identified for improvement encompass safety, cost-effectiveness, and device efficacy. Future enhancements in thermotherapy devices should address these crucial aspects.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank the executives of the Association of Korean Medicine for their help in conducting the survey.

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