Key Finding
This study protocol aims to investigate Korean firefighters' healthcare needs and perceptions of integrative medicine to address their significantly higher rates of work-related physical and mental health injuries compared to firefighters in other countries.
This study protocol outlines research aimed at understanding the healthcare needs of firefighters in Korea, who face unique occupational health challenges. Firefighters experience higher rates of work-related injuries compared to other professions, including musculoskeletal problems, respiratory issues, burns, PTSD, and depression. Korean firefighters specifically suffer from significantly more workplace injuries than firefighters in other countries, and current support systems are inadequate. The researchers plan to conduct in-depth interviews with firefighters to learn about their health concerns, current medical care usage, unmet healthcare needs, and their perceptions of integrative medicine approaches, including Korean medicine treatments like acupuncture. The study will use convenience and snowball sampling methods to recruit participants and conduct semi-structured interviews, analyzing the data using established qualitative research methods. While this is only a study protocol and no results are yet available, the research aims to identify how integrative medicine and Korean medicine could better serve firefighters' healthcare needs. The findings are intended to help policymakers and healthcare providers develop appropriate integrative medicine systems specifically designed for firefighters' unique occupational health challenges. For patients considering acupuncture or other Korean medicine treatments, this future research may provide valuable insights into how these approaches can address work-related physical and mental health issues. If you're interested in acupuncture for occupational health concerns, seek a qualified, licensed acupuncturist with experience treating workplace injuries.
This qualitative study protocol describes planned research examining healthcare utilization and integrative medicine needs among Korean firefighters, who experience elevated rates of work-related injuries including musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory disease, burns, PTSD, and depression. The methodology employs convenience and snowball sampling with semi-structured interviews, analyzed using Krippendorff's four-stage qualitative analysis approach according to consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ). No sample size, findings, or effect sizes are provided as this is a protocol paper describing planned research rather than completed work. The study aims to identify health needs, current healthcare usage patterns, unmet needs, and perceptions of integrative medicine including Korean medicine modalities. Clinical takeaway: This protocol establishes groundwork for understanding how acupuncture and Korean medicine could be integrated into occupational health programs for high-risk professions. Results may inform development of evidence-based integrative care models addressing both physical and psychological occupational health issues in firefighter populations.
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