Job Analysis of Clinical Research Coordinators Using the DACUM Process

PURPOSE: This study was done to analyze the job of clinical research coordinators (CRCs). METHODS: Through the "developing a curriculum (DACUM)" workshop, the definition of CRCs' role was described and CRCs' duties and tasks were identified. Finally, the developed duties and tasks were validated for importance, difficulty, and frequency. RESULTS: A CRC is defined as the one who coordinates and performs tasks related to clinical research/trials among investigators, participants, and sponsors according to the Good Clinical Practice at institutions conducting clinical trials. Twelve duties and 78 tasks were identified on the DACUM chart which represented the importance, difficulty, and frequency of tasks represented as A, B, and C respectively. Based on determinant coefficient (DC) of the task, the highest ranked task was confirming the eligibility of participants for research (DC=8.03) and the lowest was inventory management for clinical study materials (3.95). CONCLUSION: In this study, the job of a CRC was analyzed through the DACUM process and it was found that CRCs were doing various duties and tasks. Based on these results, it is suggested that it is necessary to develop CRC education programs considering the career ladder of CRCs.

Evaluation of the Korean Formal Educational Program for Training Care Workers for Frail Elderly

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate the formal education program provided by the Korean government for care workers for frail elderly people. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional survey in which 438 certified care workers who had completed the education program participated. Data were collected from June to October 2009, using a self-report questionnaire consisting of satisfaction with, and understanding of the education program. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 46.7 yr, 87.9% were female and 58.2% were high school graduates. For the theory part of the education, the highest score for understanding was for 'supporting household & activities of daily living' while the lowest score for understanding was for 'care for death and dying'. For the practical education, the highest score for understanding was for 'talking with the client' and the lowest score was for 'first aid & basic life support'. There was a significant difference in satisfaction and understanding of the theoretical and practical parts according to educational level. CONCLUSION: Continuing education programs are needed for care workers for elders, both in the theoretical and practical areas. Also the content of programs should address the weak points of this formal education program.

Analysis of Importance, Difficulty, and Frequency of Nurses' Job in Outpatient Departments / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the importance, difficulty, and frequency of work (duties and tasks) done by nurses' in Outpatient Departments (OPD). METHOD: Data were collected using structured questionnaires, which included 11 duties and 92 tasks making up the OPD nurse's job. Questionnaires were completed by 286 nurses. Each duty and task was analyzed for importance, difficulty, and frequency (range 1-3). RESULTS: The mean score for importance was 2.58+/-0.29, for difficulty, 2.11+/-0.31, and for frequency, 2.18+/-0.31. OPD nurses recognized'patient education and consultation' as important and difficult. However, in practice OPD nurses reported the most frequent task as'support for medical services'. There was a significant difference in importance and difficulty of duties according to OPD nurses' university degree (F=3.693, p= .026; F=4.089, p= .018) and hospital size (F=4.274, p= .006; F=3.154, p= .025). However there were no differences in importance, difficulty, or frequency according to clinical experience in OPD. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that OPD nurses must be able to do important and difficult duties and tasks, especially patient education and consultation. To have time for these uniquely nursing tasks, OPD nurses need to delegate'preparation for medical service', and'management of facility and environment' to nonmedical health-care workers.

Cognitive Function, Mood, Problematic Behavior and Response to Interaction with Robot Pet by Elders with Dementia / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects on cognitive function, mood, problematic behaviors and response to interaction with robot pet by elderly people with dementia. METHOD: A methodological triangulation design with quantitative and qualitative methods was used. The participants were 9 elderly people with dementia. The intervention was conducted twice a week for 4 weeks. Qualitative data were collected by interviews and video-taping for analysis of the responses of participants. RESULTS: 1) Cognitive function, mood and problematic behaviors did not show any significantly differences after the program. 2) Analysis of the responses showed increases in verbal communication and positive action. CONCLUSION: The robot pet program had positive effects such as increasing communication and interaction. Therefore, this program could be considered as an effective program for emotional support for elderly people with dementia. However further repetitive study is need to validate the result

Task Analysis of the Job Description of Rehabilitation Nurse based on DACUM / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop and to analyze the duty and the task of rehabilitation nurse in Korea. METHOD: The definition of rehabilitation nurse and job description was developed based on developing curriculum(DACUM) by panels who have experienced in DACUM analysis and rehabilitation nursing. 228 nurses who were working at rehabilitation centers and rehabilitation unit in general hospitals were participated. The questionnaire included frequency, importance, and difficulty of duties and tasks. The data were collected in March and April 2009, analyzed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The job description of rehabilitation nurse in Korea revealed 11 duties, and 61 tasks. On the all 11 duties, the highest duty in frequency and importance was direct nursing care (2.47+/-.31, 2.77+/-.28) and the highest duty in difficulty was self-development (2.39+/-.48). Among the tasks of duties 'direct nursing care' in 'manage medication' (2.87+/-.35) in frequency, the task 'prevent and manage bedsore' (2.91+/-.31) of duty 'direct nursing care' in importance, and 'cope emergency situations' (2.72~.49) of duty direct nursing care in difficulty showed the highest degree. CONCLUSION: The political efforts for the legislation of role and task of rehabilitation nurse were needed.

Job Description of the Nurses Who Work in Operating Room Using DACUM Technique / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: Developing a curriculum(DACUM) is a method of analyzing job focused competency, which is obtained from the data of an expert belonging to a certain career. In this study the DACUM method was used to analyze the jobs of operating room nurses. METHOD: Through the DACUM workshop which was arranged by two DACUM facillitators, a definition of the role of operating room nurses was developed and then duties and tasks of operating room nurses' were identified. For the workshop, a DACUM committee with 10 operating room nurses was organized. Finally, the duties and tasks which were identified were validated by 422 nurses for importance, difficulty, and frequency. RESULTS: Thirteen duties and 105 tasks were identified on the DACUM chart, where importance, difficulty, and frequency of tasks were represented by alphabet letters A, B, and C as higher degree of importance. The determinant coefficient(DC) showed that the most important duty was assisting with operations(DC=6.61), and the least, managing operating materials(DC=4.22). For tasks, the most important ones were assisting in orthostatic surgery(DC=7.60), and assisting in thoracic surgery(DC=7.38), and the least important making gauze ball(DC=2.39), and saving of operation site((DC=3.27). CONCLUSION: The results suggest a need to develop an education program using the DACUM chart as a basis for the development and as a clinical career ladder and for curriculum of operating room nursing.

Research Trends in the Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamental Nursing: Based on Analysis of the Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamental Nursing from 2001 to 2007 / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze articles published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamental Nursing from 2001 to 2007. METHOD: Three hundred articles were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The focus was on research type, methodolgy and keywords. RESULTS: Thirty percent of the research was supported financially. Ninety-four percent was quantitative research and of these the majority were surveys (73.2%). The rate of adoption for hypotheses in experimental studies were 55.07% but only 3% of the research included conceptual framework. The most common settings for data collection were clinical settings (51.99%), followed by community settings (43.71%). For data analysis, descriptive statistics (27.5%), t-test (17.1%), ANOVA (15.3%) and chi-square (7.9%) were most frequently used. Keywords were categorized into four nursing metaparadigms : human-beings, health, nursing, and environment. The most frequently used domain was health. CONCLUSION: The number of research papers published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamental Nursing has increased and the quality has improved compared with articles published before 2001 year. Research topics varied and were mostly conducted on the basis of logical positivism.

Task Analysis of the Job Description of Gerontological Nurse Practitioners based on DACUM

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop and to analyze the task of gerontological nurse practitioners (GNPs) in Korea. METHODS: The definition of GNP and job description was developed based on developing a curriculum (DACUM) by 7 panels who have experienced in DACUM analysis and gerontological nursing. One hundred sixty nurses who were working at long term care facilities were participated. The questionnaire included frequency, importance, and difficulty of duties, tasks, and task elements. The data were collected in November 2006, analyzed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The job description of GNPs in Korea revealed 5 duties, 23 tasks, and 86 task elements. On the all five duties, the highest duty in frequency and in importance was professional nursing care (3.25+/-0.35, 3.49+/-0.29). But the highest duty in difficulty was research (3.24+/-0.46). 'Prevent health problem (3.42+/-0.43, 3.56+/-0.33)', 'Teach other staffs (2.83+/-0.77, 3.39+/-0.43)', 'Develop the evidence-based standards (2.43+/-0.76, 3.22+/-0.43)', 'Develop the self (2.81+/-0.65, 3.26+/-0.42)', and 'Participate the team activities' were the highest score in frequency and in criticality of tasks. 'Provide emotional support to older adults and families (3.16+/-0.41)', 'Counsel older adults and their families (3.14+/-0.49)', 'Do clinical research (3.32+/-0.49)', 'Quality insurance (3.25+/-0.49)', and 'Build collaborative system (3.18+/-0.47)' were perceived the most difficult tasks. CONCLUSION: The political efforts for the legislation of role and task of GNPs were needed.

An Analysis on the Research Papers about Exercise Interventions to the Stroke Survivors / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was to suggest the direction to the exercise intervention development for the stroke survivors. METHOD: 12 domestic and 54 foreign research papers about the exercise intervention for the stroke patients published during 1998~2007 were analyzed. RESULT: Among the papers, quasi-experimental design(75.8%) and multidisciplinary approach(60.6%) were the most frequent ones. The mean age of the respondents was 63.3 and the intervention was supplied for 7.14 weeks. The frequency of exercise was 3.87 per week and the exercise time was 1.88 hours. And physical research variables - such as ambulation, muscle strength, activities of daily living and balance - were more than psychosocial variables. This study suggested that the exercise intervention for the stroke survivors need to include aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening exercise, flexible exercise, body coordination, balance exercise. In addition we confirmed that the exercise intervention was revealed as an effective physiological parameters; such as maximum oxygen uptake quantity, blood pressure. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the further researchs are needed which include the intensity of exercise into the quantity of the exercise. Also researchers need to extend the motion intervention time for an effective sociopsychological variable and to try the meta analysis for the effective exercise intervention for the stroke survivors.

An Analysis of Research Trends Published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing (JKAFN) based on Knowledge Development Classifications of Nursing: 2006 Year of Publication Articles in JKAFN / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the nature the research trends of articles published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing (JKAFN). METHOD: Comparison analysis between articles in JKAFN (Volume 13, Number 1-3) and articles in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing (Volume 36, Number 1-3, 5-7) based on knowledge development classification was used to identify the nature of research trends in JKAFN. RESULTS: Based on comparison with Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing, research trends in JKAFN were dominant; in personal knowledge in the pattern of knowing in nursing, in the desiderative focus in cognitive needs for nursing epistemology, in advancing of various aspects of nursing in the focus of knowledge, and practice domain in the domains for nursing. CONCLUSION: The major focuses on research trends in JKAFN were nursing practice, actions of nurses in practice and practice guideline applicable in nursing education.

Delphi Study on Introduction of Practical Skills Test in National Examination for Nursing Licensure / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the plan to introduce a practical skills test as part of the national examination for nursing licensure. METHOD: The delphi method was used. The first set of data was collected by open questionnaire from universities and hospitals nationally. The second and third were collected by structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The biggest problem for clinical practice in nursing education was reported as the lack of opportunities for direct nursing practice. The biggest performance problem in job duties for novice nurses was reported as the lack of integrated problem solving skills in a clinical situation. The biggest problem with the current national examination was reported as the use memorizing solutions to test questions. It was suggested that the best plan to resolve problems with the national examination would be to develop test questions representative of the clinical setting and increase personnel in clinical education. About the introduction of a practical skills test as part of the national examination, 56.9% were in agreement and 38.5% disagreed. CONCLUSION: The current national examination has many problems when it comes to testing clinical competency. So, a practical skills test must be deferred to a future time. There are also many difficulties in presenting a real situation, therefore further research is needed in preparation for the introduction of a practical skills test.

A Study on the Stage of Change of Exercise Behavior and Related Factors in Patients with Chronic Arthritis / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify the process of change, decisional balance and self-efficacy corresponding to stage of exercise behavior based on the Transtheoretical model in patients with chronic arthritis. METHOD: The participants were 151 patients with chronic arthritis using an out-patient pain clinic and hospital in C city. The collected data were analyzed using ANOVA, Sheffe test and discriminant analysis with SPSS/WIN. RESULTS: The patients were distributed as follows for each stage of exercise behavior 21.8% in the precontemplation stage, 26.5% in the contemplation stage, 25.2% in the preparation stage, 7.3% in the action stage, and 19.2% in the maintenance stage. Significant effects for stage of change were found for nine of the 10 processes of change and Pros, Cons, self-efficacy. Scores on these variables were found to increase across the stage of exercise behaviors from precontemplation to maintenance. Discriminant analysis revealed that self-efficacy and stimulus control, and reinforcement management were the major correlates of the stage of exercise behaviors. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study give useful information for exercise intervention, by using strategies of exercise for chronic arthritis patients in different stages of exercise behavior.

Analysis of Factors Influencing Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout, and Physical Symptoms in Firefighters / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to evaluate the factors that influence secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and physical symptoms experienced by firefighters. In addition, a hypothetical model was developed. METHOD: The data were collected using self-reported questionnaires from 410 field service firefighters. Data analysis was done with the SPSSWIN 10.0 program for descriptive statistics and Windows LISREL program to determine the causal relationship between the measurement variables. RESULTS: The hypothetical model which was developed fits well with actual data(chi-square=3.16, p=0.99, GFI=1.00, AGFI=0.99, NFI=0.99, and NNFI=1.06). The variable, personality type, social support, and impact mobilization frequency had a significant effect and accounted for 7% of the secondary traumatic stress in firefighters. The variables, career, social support, and secondary traumatic stress had a significant effect and accounted for 24% of the burnout in firefighters. Social support, impact mobilization frequency, and secondary traumatic stress were important variables and accounted for 31% of the physical symptoms in firefighters. CONCLUSION: It is necessary for firefighters to manage themselves according to their personality types. Strategies that can increase the firefighters' social support and decrease their perceived secondary traumatic stress also need to be developed to minimize or prevent a negative effect on their health.

Comparison of Student Nurses Graduating from a Junior College or a University on Observation and Performance of Nursing Roles / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify observation and performance of nursing role activities by student nurses graduating from 3 year junior colleges or 4 year universities. METHOD: A descriptive design was used and the participants were 295 student nurses who were graduating. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The average score for observation of nursing role activity was 2.16+/-0.29, and for performance 1.61+/-0.29. Among the college students, the mean item score for observation was highest for medication administrator and lowest for provider of spiritual & bereavement care, while for the university students the highest was for provider of care during surgery and lowest for provider of spiritual & bereavement care. The college students had higher scores for observation, and the university students for performance. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that standardized practice learning programs need to be designed in schools and in clinical practice areas, in order to further develop adaptability to nursing roles.

Roles and Functions of the Rehabilitational Nurse Practitioner Expected by Nurses and Doctors in Rehabilitation Hospital / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the role and function of the RNP (rehabilitational nurse practitioner) expected by nurses and doctors. METHOD: This study was a survey. The data were collected 188 nurses and 21 doctors who worked for disabled patients in the rehabilitation hospital during months of June, 2004 and August, 2005. RESULTS: 98.4% of nurse and 61.9% of doctors agreed at opening of RNP course. The major role of RNP expected by nurses were educator, counsellor and case manager. The major role of RNP expected by doctors were direct care, self care promoter & exercise and emotional care. There was a significant difference about the need for opening of RNP course and major role and function of RNP between the group of nurses and doctors. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the need for opening of RNP was identified and the major role of RNP was educator, counsellor, case manager and direct care. So there is a need for further research about major role of RNP related to various setting including rehabilitation hospital, nursing home, home care etc.

The Analysis on Research in the Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze research in the Korean Journal of Rehabilitation Nursing and to suggest further perspective for rehabilitation nursing research. METHOD: In this study we reviewed the contents of 134 articles published in this journal from its beginning year 1998 to 2004. RESULTS: The majority of subjects were adult patients. The type of disease were Cerebrovascular Accident, Neuromuscular disease, Cancer patients, Urogenital disease such as Chronic Renal Failure, Spinal cord injury. Domain of research almost was client, type of research were survey (34.3%), quasi experimental study (20.9%), correlation study (19.4%). Nursing intervention of experimental study was exercise (39.0%), education (17.1%). Place of data collection was hospital (58.2%), position of researcher was professor (67.2%), method of data collection was questionnaire (50.7%). CONCLUSION: There has been a lack of written consent, child rehabilitation, measurement tool development, qualitative research. More studies about rehabilitation nursing are needed to extend the role and fields for professional nursing.

A Comparison of Learning Objectives in Fundamentals of Nursing between 2000 and 2004 year / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare changes in learning objectives in Fundamentals of Nursing which were established between 2000 and 2004. METHOD: 2000, 2004 learning objectives were analyzed with frequencies and percents. RESULTS: There was an increase in the total number of learning objectives used in 2004(n=534) over 2000(n=527). In 2004 compared to 2000, there was an increase in learning objectives related to nursing process, need of oxygenation, need of nutrition, need of temperature regulation, need of activity and exercise, need of comfort, medication, preoperative care. According to Bloom's taxonomy, learning objectives established in 2004, mainly consisted of three domains, 35.5% for comprehension, 23.6% for synthesis, 20.4% for knowledge. Changes in learning objectives established in 2004 compared to 2000 decreases in the comprehension domain and increases in the synthesis domain. CONCLUSION: The learning objectives established in 2004 showed remarkable change when compared to those established in 2000. But the learning objective domains in Bloom's taxonomy were distributed unevenly. For better learning objectives in Fundamentals of Nursing, constant revision will be needed.

Risk Factors for Acquisition of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit(NSICU): Case-Control Study / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major nosocomial pathogen in the intensive care units (ICUs). The purpose of this case-control study is to identify risk factors for acquisition of MRSA during ICU stays in patients with and without MRSA. METHOD: The study was conducted in a 16 beds-neurosurgical intensive care unit of a 2200-bed tertiary care university hospital in Seoul, Korea. Medical record and Critical Classification Scoring System were reviewed retrospectively in patients who were admitted more than 3 days from August 1, 2003 to May 30, 2004. Cases and controls were matched for age and gender. The obtained specimens were nasal swab and sputum. RESULT: There were 950 patients' admissions during the period. Among them, MRSA was isolated from twenty-three patients who were considered as hospital acquired. Artificial airway (p=.045), frequency of suction (p=.002), nasogastric tube (p=.004), wound drain (p=.045), and vancomycin (p=.019) were risk factors for MRSA acquisition in univariate analysis. Frequency of suction (p=.012, OR 3.5) was revealed as the only risk factor in multivariate conditional logistic regression. CONCLUSION: Our findings give support to recent studies that suggest that frequent physical contact may increase the nosocomial acquisition of MRSA in a neurosurgical ICU.

A Study of Rehabilitation Nursing Curriculum / 재활간호학회지

PURPOSE: To survey the present status of the rehabilitation nursing course at three year diploma programs, baccalaureate degree programs (BSN), RN-BSN, and graduate programs in Korea and to analyze the contents of the syllabus to provide the basic data in developing a standard model for rehabilitation nursing curriculum. METHOD: Data was collected from all the nursing programs in Korea from July 2005 to Nov. 2005 by mail and fax. RESULT: The rehabilitation nursing courses has been offered 12 diploma program, 16 BSN, 4 RN-BSN, and 16 graduate programs. And the credits of the rehabilitation nursing course offered by the program were as follows : one credit (6 diploma and 1 BSN), two credits (6 diploma, 14 BSN and 1 RN-BSN), and three credits (1 BSN, 3 RN-BSN and 16 graduate). CONCLUSION: Future studies need to be focused on developing rehabilitation nursing curricula reflecting the updated contents of rehabilitation nursing.

Education on Nosocomial Infection Control within the Content of Courses in Fundamentals of Nursing / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the content related to nosocomial infection control in the course on Fundamentals of Nursing. METHOD: Participants were 49 faculty who were teaching courses in Fundamentals of Nursing in universities and colleges in Korea. The questionnaire was composed of 55 items related to nosocomial infection control. RESULTS: Eighteen items out of 55 items were taught in more than 80% of the universities and colleges. These included principles of infection control, principles and effect of hand washing, method of hand washing, hand scrubs, and donning sterile gown and gloves. CONCLUSION: The most effective interventions for infection control, including asepsis, hand washing, infection control for urinary catheterization, and infection control for IV sites were taught in most universities and colleges. However, the time assigned for teaching these items and the importance placed on practice were not considered sufficient.