Perceptions regarding utilization of meteorological information in healthcare in Korea: a qualitative study

• Published in: Annals of occupational and environmental medicine Vol. 30; no. 1; p. 8
• Main Authors: Ock, Minsu, Choi, Eun Young, Oh, Inbo, Yun, Seok Hyeon, Kim, Yoo-Keun, Kim, Hyunsu, Jo, Min-Woo, Lee, Jiho
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BioMed Central 01.02.2018; BioMed Central Ltd; Korean Society of Occupational & Environmental Medicine; 대한직업환경의학회
• Subjects: Analysis; Focus groups; Global temperature changes; Health aspects; Health care industry; Health care reform; Medical care; Medical personnel; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Meteorological concepts; Occupational Medicine/Industrial Medicine; Public Health; Republic of Korea; Research Article; Utilization; 예방의학; Meteorological concepts; Focus groups; Republic of Korea
• ISSN: 2052-4374; 2052-4374
• DOI: 10.1186/s40557-018-0214-3

Background Health forecasting has been used in an attempt to provide timely and tailored meteorological information to patients and healthcare providers so that they might take appropriate actions to mitigate health risks and manage healthcare-related needs. This study examined the in-depth perceptions of healthcare providers and the general public regarding the utilization of meteorological information in the healthcare system in Korea. Methods The COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) checklist was applied to this study. We conducted three focus group discussions in accordance with semi-structured guidelines developed to deal with various aspects of the utilization of meteorological information in healthcare settings. The verbatim transcriptions and field notes were analyzed according to content analysis. Results Six physicians, four nurses, three emergency medical technicians, and seven members of the general public participated in the focus group discussions. There were some individual discrepancies among most participants regarding the health effects of climate change. Although several physician participants felt that meteorological information utilization is not a prime concern during patient care, most of the general public participants believed that it should be used in the patient care process. The provision of meteorological information to patients undergoing care is expected to not only improve the effective management of climate-sensitive diseases, but also boost rapport between healthcare providers and patients. Conclusions More attempts should be made to provide meteorological information to groups vulnerable to climate change, and the effects of this information should be evaluated in terms of effectiveness and inequality. The findings of this study will be helpful in countries and institutions trying to introduce health forecasting services.