This study aimed to record the experiences of childbirth and postpartum care of postpartum women and gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences of Korean medicine-based postpartum healthcare. The investigator conducted a 60–90-min interview with the 8 participants (mean age 34 years), and the comments were analyzed using the thematic analysis method. The two major themes emerging from the participants’ comments were: “experience and awareness of childbirth and postpartum care” and “experiences of the Korean medicine-based postpartum program”. The first theme was analyzed in four primary categories: (1) experiences of breakdown of the body and mind; (2) impossibility of postpartum care without help; (3) experiences of relentless effort for recovery; and (4) experiences of body and mind recovery. The second theme was analyzed in four primary categories: (1) participation with vague expectations; (2) experiences of the effects of managing postpartum symptoms; (3) the need for a comprehensive Korean medicine management for postpartum women; and (4) suggested improvements for the Korean medicine-based postpartum program. Mothers recognized the importance of Korean medicine treatment during the postpartum period for the management of Sanhupung symptoms and postpartum care and reported the benefits of body warming, Sanhupung prevention, pain reduction, and sense of psychological stability.

In Korea, there exists a dual medical license system whereby both traditional Korean medicine and Western medicine doctors practice independently. In 2009, via medical law revision, cross employment was allowed to activate Korean medicine and Western medicine collaborative treatment (KWCT). Despite its several advantages, there are several barriers to a well-organized KWCT. To activate KWCT, we investigated perception, attitude, demand of medical occupational groups and research gap via scoping review. Scoping review is an emerging methodology for knowledge synthesis adopting the Arksey and O’Malley framework. The research question was “What is known about perception, attitude, demand, and research gap on KWCT?” We searched articles published from 2009 to 2019 in 7 Korean and 4 English databases. We conducted descriptive and qualitative thematic analysis and presented the research gap. From 1,305 articles, 6 quantitative and 3 qualitative studies were included. In quantitative studies, perception and attitude of medical occupational groups did not change markedly. For better perception and attitude, experiencing, mutual understanding, and respect should precede. Academic exchange, education, supporting KWCT research and legal/institutional/administrative support is also important. In qualitative studies, education course, guidelines, trust, safety, academic integration, and scientification were also required. We found several research gaps about KWCT especially detailed on-site demand and activation strategy about KWCT. We investigated perception, attitude, and demand on KWCT. Based on research gap in our scoping review, quantitative studies using validated questionnaire and in-depth interview are needed to identify on-site demand to improve KWCT implementation. https://www.researchregistry.com/(reviewregistry830)

Objective: Disasters adversely affect the mental health of disaster survivors, leading to depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Survivors complain of not only psychological symptoms but also physical symptoms such as insomnia, pain, and fatigue. Providing immediate and effective psychological support to all survivors is difficult because human and physical medical resources are limited. Therefore, the authors developed a manual for disaster medical support using Korean medicine (KM) for disaster survivors to provide prompt, effective, and long-term support that supplement existing psychological support. Methods: In this article, the authors introduce KM treatment protocols, which are unique elements of the manual. In addition, the authors have developed a step-by-step treatment protocol based on the stage and condition of survivors, as well as separate treatment protocols for psychological and physical symptoms. Results: The interventions include ear acupuncture, acupuncture, herbal medicine, breathing relaxation, stabilization techniques, emotional freedom technique, and self-care methods such as acupressure, exercise, and walking meditation. This manual has been certified as an official procedure of the Korean Society of Oriental Neuropsychiatry. Conclusions: The authors believe that this manual will enable KM doctors to be effectively utilized as medical resources at disaster sites. Furthermore, this manual would provide a good model that can be extended to countries that wish to use integrative medicine for disaster support to implement the commitments of the Declaration of Astana.

Background: The postpartum period is the most critical period in the mother’s and child’s lives, and integrative medical approaches, including Korean medicine, are preferred for promoting postpartum recovery and managing postpartum symptoms. The socially disadvantaged class is known to be more vulnerable to postpartum depression, obesity, and bleeding, and the National Medical Center is undertaking Korean medicine-based postpartum health management projects for the socially disadvantaged mothers. However, clinical evidence and research data on integrative medicine-based postpartum care to expand the scope of these postpartum programs to help these women are lacking. Aim: To investigate the barriers, benefits, and limitations of integrative medical postpartum health management programs for the socially disadvantaged mothers and investigate the experiences of this population. Methods: A qualitative research methodology is used, and a semi-structured, open-ended interview will be conducted. The interview will be conducted among 10 or fewer participants, with each interview session lasting for 60–120 min. Data will be analyzed using grounded theory framework proposed by Strauss and Corbin. Significance: This study will shed light on the users’ experiences and benefits, unmet needs, and limitations of Korean medicine-based postpartum management programs for the socially disadvantaged mothers. The findings will be useful for the improvement of postpartum care programs and used as foundational data for the protocols of quantitative studies in the future.