Nurses' Cognition of Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) in Long-term Care Hospitals and Changes in Nursing Care after Application of DRG / 간호행정학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine nurses' cognition of the diagnosis related group (DRG) in long-term care hospitals and changes in nursing care after application of the DRG system. METHOD: This study was a descriptive survey involving 161 nurses working in 12 long-term care hospitals located in Gwangju city and Chonnam area. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 18.0 version program. Data analyses utilized descriptive test, chi-square test, Fisher's exact probability test, t-test, and one-way ANOVA. RESULT: There was no change in cognition of DRG in 55.3% of the nurses, and 26.1% takes to 'change positively'. More than half of the respondents (57.8%) agreed to the application of DRG. After application of DRG, the nurses responded 'there were changes in nursing care' in 23 of the 25 care items. Two items had an increase in nursing care. CONCLUSIONS: No distinct changes in nursing care were evident after DRG application. Therefore, there is need to provide education programs related to DRG for nurse in long-term care hospitals.