Yoo SH, et al.

This review presents the first scoping review synthesizing shared decision-making (SDM) research conducted in Korea. The topic is timely and of significant importance, as SDM is increasingly regarded as a cornerstone of patient-centered care. The authors followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, with protocol registration in OSF, ensuring transparency and rigor. This will provides valuable insights into both the current state of SDM research in Korea and its broader implications for clinical practice and health policy.

Kim SW, et al.

Korea’s aging population has led to increased multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use. This qualitative study (May–August 2023) explored experiences of 24 older adults (≥ 65 years, ≥ 5 medications, ≥ 1 PIM) and healthcare professionals regarding deprescribing. Interviews revealed low awareness of polypharmacy risks, driven by multimorbidity, symptom relief, health beliefs, and systemic factors. Participants emphasized public awareness, improved prescribing, and geriatric primary care. Experts highlighted systemic barriers and limited support for deprescribing. Sustainable solutions require education, prescription sharing systems, and long-term policies incentivizing appropriate medication use.

Kim JH, et al.

Following COVID-19 restriction easing, a university festival with outdoor concerts was held on May 2–4, 2022, in Korea. Using university and government data, a causal impact analysis with a Bayesian structural time series model showed a significant rise in COVID-19 cases. Between May 6 and 29, the university reported 138 cases (5.8/day), nearly double the estimated 57–72 cases without the event. Despite declining community trends, the festival was linked to increased infections, highlighting risks of crowded outdoor gatherings.

Park J, et al.

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, often presents with eschar, a key diagnostic feature. This retrospective study of 81 cases (2018–2020, Jeonbuk National University Hospital) classified eschars into erythematous macule (2.5%), vesicular (4.9%), erosive/ulcerative (13.6%), crust (74.1%), and sclerotic (4.9%). Most appeared on the anterior body (44.4%) or inguinal area (18.5%). Atypical eschars lacking the classical crust occurred in 25.9% of cases. Eschar distribution varied by body site (P = 0.038). Comprehensive skin exams are crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Song JW, et al.

This retrospective study investigated interstitial lung abnormality (ILA) among 2,589 Korean health-screening participants who underwent serial chest CT over a median of 7 years. The prevalence of ILA or equivocal ILA increased from 0.2–0.3% at baseline to 0.8–0.9% at follow-up (P < 0.001). Radiologic progression occurred in 83.3% with baseline ILA. Older age, smoking, and elevated inflammatory markers predicted progressive ILA. Both equivocal ILA (aHR, 3.73) and ILA (aHR, 4.01) at follow-up were associated with higher mortality, with progression conferring additional risk. Early detection and monitoring may improve outcomes.

Shin HY, et al.

This population-based cohort study analyzed 10,458 South Korean patients with incident myasthenia gravis (MG) (2007–2023) using national insurance data to identify high-risk groups for poor outcomes. Six clinical criteria were evaluated, including myasthenic crisis (MC) and refractory MG. Patients with a history of MC had markedly higher mortality (54.0 vs 17.9 per 1,000 person-years; HR, 2.33, 95% CI, 1.87–2.89). Across all criteria, risks of MC, ICU admission, and MG-related hospitalization were increased. These findings highlight subgroups with elevated mortality and severe outcomes, supporting targeted allocation of costly novel therapies.