조현병의 한의표준임상경로 개발 및 시범 적용 연구

Abstract

Objectives: This study explored treatment outcomes and costs associated with implementing a Korean Medicine Critical Pathway (CP) for outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Methods: This retrospective chart review, approved by the Institutional Review Board of Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital (KOMCIRB 2025-08-002), included 32 patients who met the eligibility criteria from electronic medical records. Thirteen patients who completed at least 70% of the CP process were assigned to the CP group, while 19 patients who did not adhere to the CP were assigned to the non-CP group. We compared demographic and clinical characteristics, economic indices, PANSS and BPRS scores, and patient satisfaction between the two groups. Results: Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were generally similar between the groups. Additionally, the total treatment cost was substantially lower in the CP group (p=0.001). The interval between outpatient visits tended to be shorter in the CP group (15.90±11.41 days) than in the non-CP group (113.18±175.34 days). Follow-up BPRS scores were lower in the CP group than in the non-CP group (p=0.044), whereas PANSS scores and all satisfaction measures showed no statistically significant differences between groups. Conclusions: The application of a Korean Medicine CP for schizophrenia spectrum disorders was associated with lower overall medical costs and shorter intervals between visits, without compromising symptom management or patient satisfaction. These findings suggest that CP-based, guideline-driven Korean Medicine care may improve efficiency in managing schizophrenia while preserving clinical effectiveness.