Current Status of Clinical Research Coordinator's Employment

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to investigate the current two years' clinical research coordinators (CRCs) employment and estimate total number of CRCs in Korea. METHODS: The participants were administrative officers or head CRCs in institutions designated by Korea Food & Drug Administration (KFDA). Data on the current status of CRCs' employment was collected with self-administered questionnaires or telephone interview. And total number of CRCs in Korea was estimated based on ratio between the number of the KFDA approved clinical trials and current number of CRCs. RESULTS: The number of CRCs was 1381 at 36 centers in 2009 and 1444 at 37 centers in 2010. About 79 percent of CRCs were employed by investigators. The estimated number of CRCs was from 1677 to 1763 at 135 centers in 2009 and from 1802 to 1890 at 142 centers in 2010 based on number of clinical trials approved by KFDA. Two third of regional clinical trial centers (RCTCs) had written employment policy, and 25 percent of RCTCs employed CRCs in a regular position. All RCTCs had educational programs for CRCs and supported CRCs for training outside. 75 percent of RCTCs provided ID card for CRCs belonging to investigators to access to hospital document. Half of RCTCs had CRC registration system in hospital-wide. CONCLUSION: The number of CRCs in Korea can be easily estimated with the number of KFDA approved clinical trials. Majority of RCTCs still employed CRCs in an irregular position, which should be switched to regular position to reduce the CRCs' unsatisfaction. It is also needed to develop centralized CRC management system for CRCs belonging to investigators.

Nurse Characteristics related to Level of Use of Essential Oriental Nursing Terms in Oriental Medicine Hospitals / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to examine the level of use of essential oriental nursing terms and related characteristics among nurses in oriental medicine (OM) hospitals. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey design with convenience sampling was employed. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 315 nurses in seven university-affiliated OM hospitals. The questionnaire included 174 oriental nursing terms about actions, tests, drugs, and theories. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with the level of use. RESULTS: The response rate was 98.1% (n=309). Overall mean score for use of essential oriental nursing terms was 2.7(+/-0.7) on a five-point Likert scale. Significant factors associated with the level of use were workplace and knowledge of oriental nursing theory terms. Nurses who worked in nursing care wards and those who had a higher level of knowledge of oriental nursing theories had a higher level of use. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that level of use of essential oriental nursing terms were below average. Educational programs to enhance knowledge of oriental nursing theories need to be implemented for nurses in OM hospitals, considering their workplace, in order to facilitate nursing data sharing and communication among healthcare providers.

Contingent Nurses' Burnout and Influencing Factors

PURPOSE: This study was designed to identify burnout and factors influencing burnout in contingent nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was conducted with a sample of 228 contingent nurses randomly selected from 25 general hospitals in Korea. The tools used for this study were scales measuring burnout (8 items), job stress (8 items), job satisfaction (9 items), self efficacy (9 items), organizational commitment (9 items), empowerment (9 items), autonomy (7 items) and social support (8 items). The data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 employing Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean score for burnout in contingent nurses was 3.05 points. Factors influencing burnout in contingent nurses were identified as job stress (beta=.40), satisfaction level with current ward (beta=-.25), organizational commitment (beta=-.21), job satisfaction (beta=-.19) and empowerment (beta=-.16). These factors explained 65.0% of burnout reported by contingent nurses. CONCLUSION: The results indicate which factors are major factors influencing burnout in contingent nurses in general hospitals. Therefore, these factors may serve as predictors of burnout in contingent nurses.

Development of a Multimedia Learning DM Diet Education Program using Standardized Patients and Analysis of Its Effects on Clinical Competency and Learning Satisfaction for Nursing Students

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a multimedia learning program for patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) diet education using standardized patients and to examine the effects of the program on educational skills, communication skills, DM diet knowledge and learning satisfaction. METHODS: The study employed a randomized control posttest non-synchronized design. The participants were 108 third year nursing students (52 experimental group, 56 control group) at K university in Seoul, Korea. The experimental group had regular lectures and the multimedia learning program for DM diet education using standardized patients while the control group had regular lectures only. The DM educational skills were measured by trained research assistants. RESULTS: The students who received the multimedia learning program scored higher for DM diet educational skills, communication skills and DM diet knowledge compared to the control group. Learning satisfaction of the experimental group was higher than the control group, but statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Clinical competency was improved for students receiving the multimedia learning program for DM diet education using standardized patients, but there was no statistically significant effect on learning satisfaction. In the nursing education system there is a need to develop and apply more multimedia materials for education and to use standardized patients effectively.

Experiences of Interpersonal Relationships among Head Nurses in General Hospital Settings / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences of interpersonal relationships of head nurses in interacting with others in general hospital settings. METHODS: The data were collected by individual in-depth interviews from seven head nurses and were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Five major categories emerged and they represent a major strategy according to five different groups of interacting people. 'Establishing trust' was identified as the key strategy in dealing with patients and family members. 'Embracing with sisterly love' and 'helping with self-defense' were major strategies for subordinate nurses and physicians, respectively. 'Respecting and recognizing' was the main approach for other professionals such as dietitians and 'emphasizing rules and educating' were a major one for non-professionals. Head nurses paid more attention and made efforts in dealing with their subordinate nurses than with other groups of people, because they felt the most difficulty in their relationship with subordinate nurses. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that head nurses employ unique strategies in interacting with different groups of people to increase the efficiency of communication. This study would help nurse administrators establish an effective program for improving interpersonal relationships of head nurse.

The Effects of Danjeon Breathing Exercise on Vital Capacity, Physical Fitness, Anxiety and Depression among Older Adults

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of Danjeon Breathing Exercise (DBE) on vital capacity, physical fitness, anxiety and depression among older adults. METHODS: This study employed the nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design. The experimental group participated in a 12-week DBE program. Vital capacity and physical fitness were measured with a health measurement system (HELMAS). Anxiety and depression were measured with SCL-90-R-K. Data were collected from 37 community-dwelling older adults (experimental group=21, control group=16) in the Seoul metropolitan area. The data were analyzed by chi2-test, Mann-Whitney test and ANCOVA. RESULTS: The experimental group taking DBE reported significant increases in flexibility than the control group, but differences in vital capacity and balance were not significant. Older adults taking DBE showed significant decreases in the anxiety and depression levels. CONCLUSION: A DBE program may be a useful nursing intervention for older adults to improve their flexibility and to reduce anxiety and depression.

Development of Korean Oriental Nursing Terminology Set / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a Korean oriental nursing terminology set for nursing documentation in electronic nursing record systems. METHODS: This study was conducted in two steps. The primary terminology set was constructed by extracting terms from textbooks and materials about oriental nursing (2,708 terms). Then the appropriateness of terms as an oriental nursing vocabulary was reviewed by four teams of oriental nursing experts and practitioners. In addition, the frequency of uses of terms was examined in oriental nursing. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of 2,708 terms, 25.4% (n=688) were evaluated as appropriate and high-use oriental nursing terms by all expert teams. Among the terms, 24.1% (n=166) were nursing action terms representing acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, massage, treatment and observation, medication administration, health promotion, and others. The others (75.9%) were nursing phenomenon terms representing drugs, medical materials, instruments, tests, theories, disease names, syndrome differentiation, and signs and symptoms. The proportion of terms used only in oriental nursing was 52.3%. CONCLUSION: A total of 688 terms were identified as appropriate oriental nursing terms, as well as high-use terms. This terminology set can be used for the basic data to develop a formal terminology set in oriental nursing practice.

Factors Affecting the Quality of Life in Stroke Patient at Home / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting the Quality of Life of the Stroke Patients. METHOD: The subjects were 249 Stroke Patients who had visiting at the hospital and health care center. The research tools were FIM, CES-D, ATD PA, Quality of life Scale. Data were analyzed with SPSS WIN program in which frequency, percentage, Pearson's correlation and stepwise regression were used examination the factors affecting the quality of life. RESULT: There were positive correlation between patient's FIM and Quality of life, depression and physical disability, and negative correlation between FIM and depression and physical disability. Depression was the most important factor with influence on quality of life. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, Active nursing intervention to decreased depression and to improve patients physical functional status in needed.

Factors Influencing on Quality of Life in Patients with Hemophilia / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the factors influencing the quality of life of patients with hemophilia and to provide the data for health promoting intervention in order to improve their quality of life. METHOD: The subjects of this study were involved 186 male patients with hemophilia by convenience sampling. These results were analyzed statistically by frequency, percentage, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson Correlation Coefficient, and Stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the quality of life according to the frequency of bleeding. Quality of life showed negative relationships and health problems, bleeding, limitation of joint motion, and depression with stepwise Multiple Regression analysis for quality of life revealed that the most powerful predictor was depression. Depression, health problem, and limitation of joint motion accounted for 64.6% of the variance in the quality of life of patients with hemophilia. CONCLUSION: Therefore it is necessary to develop nursing interventions with these variables to increase the quality of life for patients with hemophilia.

Effects of a Self-Help Group Program for Young Adults with Hemophilia / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of Self-help program for Young adults with hemophilia. METHOD: A quasi-experimental design was used. The subjects were 40 young adults with hemophilia, 21 in the experimental group and 19 in the control group. The subjects of the experimental group participated in a self-help group program for five sessions for 5 weeks. The program consisted of health education abouthemophilia, exercise, and therapeutic recreation. Its outcomes were evaluated on self-efficacy, ADL, depression, and quality of life. The obtained data was analyzedusing the Mann-Whitney U test of SPSS. RESULT: 1) The scores of self-efficacy, ADL and quality of life increased significantly in the experimental group as compared to the control group. 2) The score of depression decreased significantly in the experimental group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Considering these research results, the program is effective in improving self-management ability and quality of life. Therefore this program could be implemented as a self-help group program for hemophilia clients.

Development of a Scale to measure the Effectiveness of Oriental Nursing Education / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to design and evaluate a scale for measuring reliability and validity in the field of oriental nursing education. METHOD: A questionnaire was administered to 495 university nursing students using a convenience sampling method. The period of time for collecting data was from September 2003 to January 2004. RESULT: The derived outcome tool consisted of 6 factors and 22 inquires on the basis of a conceptual frame of three domains (knowledge, attitude, and skill), As a result of the item analysis, 22 items were selected and the internal consistency alpha coefficient was .767. The value of Cronbach' Alpha of knowledge(factor 1) was .885, attitude(factor2)was .756, and skill (factor 3) was .610. The three factors accounted for 65.110% of the variance in the total scale. Addressing the explanatory variance of each domain Cognitive domain was 22.477%, affective domain was 20.543%, and psychomotor domain was 17.090%. CONCLUSION: Further studies need to be done to verify educational evaluation and apply our outcomes to oriental nursing education.

The Effects of a Health Promotion Program for Elderly / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop and to evaluate a health promotion program for elderly. METHOD: Subjects were 63 elderly women (experimental group:33, control group:30). The study was a nonequivalant control group pretest-posttest design. The data was analyzed with an SPSS Window program, then the data was computed for the purpose of each study. RESULT: 1. In designing the program, the experimental group was given health education - 2 times per week, for 8 weeks - and they participated in recreation programs and stretching exercises five times a week. 2. Stretching exercises including health education, significantly affected the total Cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, health behavior and self-efficacy. 3. The body fat weight was not significantly affected by the stretching exercises. CONCLUSION: This program was tested to promote the health of elderly and verified as an effective nursing intervention program, because the outcome of this program ascertains that this program enhances self efficacy of exercise, reduces Cholesterol and triglyceride levels' increases HDL-cholesterol, and helps promote the understanding of heath behavior.

The Changes in Interest and Attitudes of Nursing Students toward the Disabled before and after the Disability Experience Program / 재활간호학회지

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the concern and attitudes of Nursing students toward the disabled before and after the disability experience program. METHOD: 151 Nursing students with clinical practice in National rehabilitation hospital were conveniently selected as the subject. All subjects had experience the disability program, and their attitudes toward the disabled were measured before and after the 3hours' program. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS 11.0 with paired t-test. RESULTS: 1. The concern toward the disabled after their disability experience program was more positive than before(t= -4.930, p= .000). 2. The attitudes toward the disabled after their disability experience program was more positive than before(t=5.892, p=.000). 3. The appreciation of daily life after their disability experience program was higher than before(t=- -8.563, p= .000). CONCLUSION: In summary, the disability experience program should be effective in order to promote the positive attitude toward the disabled. Therefore expansion of this program is of profound significant.

Adjustment Patterns of Illness Process of People with Hemophilia in Korea / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore adjustment pattern of illness process of people with hemophilia in Korea. METHOD: 23 people with hemophilia had participated for this study. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using Strauss & Corbin's grounded theory method. RESULT: "would be free from" was emerged as a core category and it reflects that all participants wanted to be free from the constraints of the disease. The adjustment process was categorized into two stage, the 'unstable stage' and the 'stable stage'. In the process of "would be free from" four different patterns were identified: hopelessness type; appreciation type; challenge type; and transcendence type. These types were identified based on the degree of pursuing normal life and managing the disease, and social support. The most frequently occurring type was hopelessness type but the participants of this type suffered the most. The transcendence type was the most ideal type, but it occurred the least. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that people with hemophilia in Korea still suffer from the disease and they need supports. The results would be useful for health care professionals in establishing education and counseling program for the people with hemophilia.

The Effects of Self-foot Reflexology on Urinary Incontinence in Middle-aged Women / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to identify the effects of self-foot reflexology on urinary incontinence symptoms, vaginal contraction and daily life discomfort of middle-aged women. METHOD: A quasi-experimental design was used. The subject were 39 middle-aged women with urinary incontinence, who were composed of 18 women in the experimental group, while 21 were in the control group. In the experimental group, self-foot reflexology was applied for 30 minutes, three times a week for 4 weeks. The obtained data were analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney U test of SPSS. RESULT: 1. Frequency(U=78.00, P=.001), amount(U=65.00, p=.001) and the situation score(U=81.00, P=.002)of urinary incontinence were reduced significantly in the experimental group as compared to the control group. 2. Maximum pressure(U=33.50, p=.000), mean pressure(U=38.00 p=.000) of vaginal contraction were improved significantly in the experimental group as compared to the control group. 3. Daily life discomfort in the experimental group was reduced whereas that of the control group was increased(U=63.00, p=.000) significantly. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that self-foot reflexology is an effective method for reducing urinary incontinence symptoms and daily life discomfort and for increasing pressure of vaginal contraction of middle-aged women. Therefore self-foot reflexology can be considered as a independent nursing intervention for urinary incontinence.

Effect of East-West Self-help Group Program for Rehabilitation of Post Stroke Clients / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an East-West Self-help program for Rehabilitation of post-stroke patients. METHOD: A quasi-experimental design was used. The subjects were 75 post stroke clients(Exp. group : 38, Cont. group:37). The subjects of the experimental group participated in the Self-help group program of six sessions, twice a week, during 6 weeks. The program consisted of health education of stroke, exercise, oriental nursing interventions, and therapeutic recreation. The obtained data were analyzed by using the repeated measure ANOVA of SPSS. RESULT: 1) The score of rehabilitation self-efficacy increased significantly in the experimental group as compared to the control group. 2) The score of BADL, IADL, amount of use & quality of movement of the affected U/E, and grip power increased significantly in the experimental group as compared to the control group. 3)The level of blood cholesterol decreased significantly in the experimental group as compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Considering these research results, the program is effective in improving functional abilities and self-management ability. Therefore this program could be implemented as a community based self-help group program for post stroke clients.

Development and Effect of East-West Self-Help Group Program for Rehabilitation of Post-Stroke Clients: A Preliminary Study / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this preliminary study was to develop and evaluate the effects of East-West Self-help program for Rehabilitation of post-stroke clients. METHOD: This program is developed through literature review, survey and seminar. The program is consisted of six sessions twice a week for 6 weeks. This program is composed of health education on stroke, exercise, oriental nursing interventions, and therapeutic recreation. The outcomes have been evaluated on the basis of perceived health status, self-efficacy, U/E function, ADLs and subjective response. RESULTS: 1) After the 6 week program, the perceived health status had improved and the score of rehabilitation self-efficacy increased significantly. 2) After the 6 week program, the score of BADL increased significantly, but, the score of IADL was not statistically significant. 3) After the 6 week program, the amount of use and quality of movement of the affected U/E were increased significantly. 4) All of the participants showed satisfaction with this program. CONCLUSION: Considering these research results, the program is effective in improving functional abilities and self-management ability. Therefore this program could be continuously developed and implemented as a community based self-helf group program for post-stroke clients.

Development and Effect of East-West Self-Help Group Program for Rehabilitation of Post-Stroke Clients: A Preliminary Study / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this preliminary study was to develop and evaluate the effects of East-West Self-help program for Rehabilitation of post-stroke clients. METHOD: This program is developed through literature review, survey and seminar. The program is consisted of six sessions twice a week for 6 weeks. This program is composed of health education on stroke, exercise, oriental nursing interventions, and therapeutic recreation. The outcomes have been evaluated on the basis of perceived health status, self-efficacy, U/E function, ADLs and subjective response. RESULTS: 1) After the 6 week program, the perceived health status had improved and the score of rehabilitation self-efficacy increased significantly. 2) After the 6 week program, the score of BADL increased significantly, but, the score of IADL was not statistically significant. 3) After the 6 week program, the amount of use and quality of movement of the affected U/E were increased significantly. 4) All of the participants showed satisfaction with this program. CONCLUSION: Considering these research results, the program is effective in improving functional abilities and self-management ability. Therefore this program could be continuously developed and implemented as a community based self-helf group program for post-stroke clients.

An Analysis of Learning Objectives and Test Items in Fundamentals of Nursing in Korea / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: To analyze the learning objectives and test items for Fundamentals in Nursing which were established between 1999 and 2000 and to develop these items toward a nationwide faculty workshop for national board examination for Korean nurses. RESULTS: 1. According to Bloom's taxonomy, learning objectives established in 1999 mainly consisted of two domains, comprehension (56.1%), and knowledge (27.7%). The learning objectives established in 2000, mainly consisted of comprehension (45.2%) and application (25.4%). 2. According to McGuire's taxonomy, domain of test items established in 1999 consisted of recall (66.7%), interpretation (28.0%) and problem solving (4.9%). Domain of test items established in 2000, consisted of recall (65.1%), interpretation (22.0%) and problem solving (12.9%). 1) Department of Nursing, Chung-Ang University 2) College of Nursing, Yonsei University 3) College of Nursing, Seoul National University 4) Department of Nursing, Kyung-Hee University 5) College of Nursing, Ewha University 6) College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea(corresponding author, Email: sky@catholic.ac.kr) 7) National Medical Center Nursing College 8) Red Cross Nursing College 9) Department of Nursing, Gachun Gil College 3. The proportion of learning objectives in the knowledge and comprehension domains established in 200, decreased from 27.7% to 13.5%, and from 56.1% to 45.2% respectively over that of 1999. But the domain of application increased from 5.3% to 25.4% over that of 1999. 4. With regard to McGuire's taxonomy, the proportion for the recall and interpretation domains established in 2000 decreased from 66.7% to 65.1%, and from 28.0% to 22.0% respectively. But the proportion for the problem solving domain increased from 4.9% to 12.9% over that of 1999. For type of test items, the proportion of A type established in 2000 decreased from 47.2% to 37.6%, and K type increased from 52.1% to 60.8% over that of 1999. CONCLUSION: The learning objectives and test items established in 2000 showed remarkable improvement compared to those established in 1999. For better learning objectives and test items in Fundamentals of Nursing, further research is recommended on essential content and standardization of job analysis for national board examination for nurses in Korea.

Reconstruction of Professional Identity in Clinical Nurses / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was carried out to identify and re-establish the professional identity in clinical nurses. METHOD: From Dec. 1999, for 4 months, the study had been conducted by narrative analysis method based on hermeneutic principles. Subjects were ten nurses with 3-4 years of nursing experience at a university hospital. The data were collected and transcribed through narrative interviews. RESULT: As a result, the maternal role was identified as the most dominant discourse in which nurses formed their identity. Subjects felt that a maternity is socio-culturally needed in case of nursing. Reconstruction of professional identity consists of 3 stages, Telling, Retelling and Rebuilding. At first, nurses felt confused by skeptism of the profession, interpersonal difficulties, and heavy work loads. However, during the interviews, nurses recognized that nursing is not regarded as significant, effort to make nursing meaningful were small, and there was a lack of understanding others. From this new insight, they re-established a new image of nursing "through better understanding of others, seeking knowledge, and making positive efforts towards qualified nursing". CONCLUSION: The above narrative interviews may help nurses reflect and contextually interpret themselves, so that a new identity could be established. Furthermore researchers can obtain new insight from the subjects, while the subjects form a new nursing image from self-reflection.