Purpose: This study was conducted on the development of a Total Health management center operating system model. It will eventually provide Air Force pilots with medical policies that will ensure their health promotion.
Methods: This study was conducted from March to November of 2008. Total health management centers both military and civilian excluding Air Force were compared and analyzed by way of field investigations. In addition, 292 self-report type surveys of Air Force pilots were conducted from July 18th to 25th of July, 2008.
Results: In developing the Total Health management center operating system model for Air Force pilots, we examined the 5 point-scale survey on satisfaction in health management items for the Air Force pilots. The lowest of the scores in each category were as follows: Examining items(3.13), rate of satisfaction with counseling on their desired examination items(3.13), quality of explanations on the results following the examination and post-exam management(3.08) and level of discomfort with the distance between examination rooms(2.88). These categories scored below the survey of 3.27. The Following are the rates of demand for post-examination management, 5 being the highest. Demand for health education regarding potential disease(3.80) had the highest demand rate. Psychological counseling(3.72), prescription for physical exercise(3.68), nutritional consultation(3.57) were demanded respectively. A health management center has the second most important preventive role in the early detection and treatment of diseases, and the primary preventive role in exercise prescriptions, nutritional counselling and stress management counseling for lifestyle changes. Thus, in order to act as an efficient health management center, nutritionists, physical exercise trainer, and clinical psychologists were required as a result. Also, results showed the ratio of daily examinees to nurses on staff is higher in air lines than in non-military health management centers. Considering the importance for and special circumstances concerning pilots’ health management, the expanded use of specified nursing staffs must be considered at the Health management Center.
Conclusion: Based on this study, the operating system model of the total health management center ought to apply the survey on lifestyle factors, the tailor-made health examination program according to age groups and physical fitness and psychological test results. Prescriptions for physical exercise, nutritional plans, and psychological counseling can be done based on a comprehensive analysis of those factors. Consequently, the implementation of a standardized post-examination management program or waivers for pilots who are temporarily grounded is needed. Moreover, for efficient post-examination management, implementation of an organized supply system is essential. It is expected that the study will contribute to Air Force pilots’ overall health management and improvement.
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