This post is written by guest writer and 2^nd year MEPN, Lihini Keenawinna

Immersion group with faculty post visit to the OJO Skin Rehabili Center
Clinical Lab and Academy

We started the day visiting the Oh-Jung-Ok Skin Rehabili Center Clinical Lab and Academy. Dr. Oh-Jung-Ok created the OJO method for use in skin rehabilitation, which is used with patients suffering severe burns or scarring. Her method consists of skin rehabilitation massage, aromatherapy, meridian pathway, cosmeceuticals, compression therapy, skin stretching and lymph circulation. The majority of the patients treated by Dr. Oh-Jung-Ok are between the ages of newborn and 3 years who are suffering from scalding injuries. After these patients have received treatment for their burns, they come to this clinic twice or three times a week over a varying period depending on the severity of the burn. They will receive skin rehabilitation massage that is a very gentle massaging of the skin in the direction of lymph circulation. After a number of sessions of skin rehabilitation nursing therapy (SRNT), the patients have a drastic improvement in their range of motion that would otherwise be restricted due to the contractures caused by the scarring, as well as reduction of the appearance and hyperpigmentation of the scars.

The before and after pictures shown to us were very impressive. What resonated for most of us was the fact that they were not just focused on
the outward appearance of the patients but also worked towards trying to
maintain psychological stability, and decrease stress and anxiety related to long-term self-esteem issues.  The main goal of the therapy is to being allow patients the opportunity to return to their lives and
once again become productive members of society.

After this visit, we ventured onward to the Korea University Anam Hospital, a state-of-the-art hospital with 1055 beds. The hospital has a cardiovascular center, digestive system center, cancer center, robotic surgery center, organ transplantation center, breast center, thyroid center, and international healthcare center. The international health center is a one-stop service center that helps patients take care of all their medical and non-medical services including transport, visas, and accommodations while they are in South Korea.

During our visit to the Korea University hospital, we heard from the President of the university, the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), leaders in quality improvement, finance, nursing managers as well as representatives from their international office. From the quality improvement aspect, we heard about the ways in which they have implemented their evidence-based practice protocols specifically in falls prevention as well as their bloodless surgery protocols. We also learned about the structure and various other programs run by the quality improvement department. After spending the previous day at the National Healthcare Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Headquarters and Health Insurance Review and Assessment
(HIRA) agencies, the presentation from the finance department really served as a meaningful review of the structure of the universal healthcare system and how it is utilized within the hospital system. The CNO and her leadership team also took the time to educate us about the operationalization of nursing care delivery, the professional progression ladder, leadership structure, shared governance and dedication to educational excellence.