Validity and Reliability of the Korean Version of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate

PURPOSE: This study was done to develop and test the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the Pain Assessment Checklist for Seniors with Limited Ability to Communicate (PACSLAC-K) in assessing pain of elders with dementia living in long-term care facilities. METHODS: The PACSLAC-K was developed through forward-backward translation techniques. Survey data were collected from 307 elders with dementia living in 5 long-term care facilities in Korea. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, Spearman's rho, paired t-test, ROC (receiver operation characteristic) curve with the SPSS/WIN (20.0) program. RESULTS: The PACSLAC-K showed high internal consistency (.90), inter-rater reliability (.86), intra-rater reliability (.93), and high concurrent validity (.74) in paired t-test with PAINAD. Discriminant validity also showed a significant difference compared with no pain. The PACSLAC-K showed a sensitivity of .93, specificity of .88, and Area Under the Curve of .95 in the ROC curve. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrate that PACSLAC-K is useful in assessing pain for elders with dementia living in long-term care facilities.

Job Competencies and Educational Needs Perceived by New Community Health Practitioners

PURPOSE: This study was performed to identify job competencies and needs for job education perceived by new community health practitioners. METHODS: This study used a qualitative research design. Eight new community health practitioners participated in this study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Five job competencies were identified in this study, including primary care, public health management, interpersonal relationship, teaching and counseling, and leadership. The contents of job education that they needed were management of major symptoms and chronic diseases, understanding and prescription of medications, emergency responses and care, management of endemic diseases, planning and management of public health programs, writing official documentsand computer works, and leadership training. The learning methods they preferred were connecting theory and practice, situation- or case-based learning, skill- or practice-based learning, and increased opportunities of clinical practice. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provided the direction of job education for new community health practitioners. Job education for new community health practitioners needs to consider the job competencies and educational needs identified in this study.

DICS Behavior Pattern and Medication Errors by Nurses / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: Human factor is one of the major causes of medication errors. The purpose of this study was to identify nurses' perception and experience of medication errors, examine the relationship of Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness (DISC) behavior patterns and medication errors by nurses. METHODS: A descriptive survey design with a convenience sampling was used. Data collection was done using self-report questionnaires answered by 308 nurses from one university hospital and two general hospitals. RESULTS: The most frequent DISC behavioral style of nurses was influence style (41.9%), followed by steadiness style (23.7%), conscientiousness style (20.4%), and dominance style (14.0%). Differences in the perception and experience level of medication errors by nurses' behavioral pattern were not statistically significant. However, nurses with conscientiousness style had the lowest scores for in experience of medication errors and the highest scores for perception of medication errors. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that identification of the behavior pattern of nurses and application of this education program can prevent medication errors by nurses in hospitals.

Trends in Research Studies Published in Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing: 2009-2011 / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the trends in research studies published in Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing from 2009 to 2011. METHODS: A total of 156 studies published between 2009 and 2011 were reviewed using analysis criteria developed by the researchers. RESULTS: Quantitative studies accounted for 90.4% and qualitative studies, 8.3%. The research designs for the quantitative studies were experimental, 28.0% and survey, 63.8%. IRB approval was received for only 25.6% of the studies and 61.0% of studies presented participant criteria. Questionnaires were used for data collection in 90.8% of studies. Individual or group education was the most frequent intervention in the experimental studies. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that more randomized controlled trials with a low risk of bias are needed to support greater evidence-based nursing practice. Considering the low rate of ethical consideration, it is important that stricter application of research methods needs to be encouraged to improve the quality of Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing.

A Study to Identify Contents of the Journal through Review of Classification of Sectional Editorship / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to provide data for development of the Journal of Fundamentals of Nursing through reviewing classification of sectional editorship. METHODS: Descriptive statistical analysis was used, to identify content then, the classifications of sectional editorship were reviewed. RESULTS: The categories, "Basic concepts of nursing" (30.2%:17.9%), "Needs for comfort" (15.9%:13.1%), "Nursing education" (12.7%:12.7%), and "Needs for activity and exercise" (7.1%:7.1%) were most frequent through both the 1st and 2nd sectional editorship. CONCLUSION: Classification of sectional editorship was developed to clarify the educational purpose of fundamentals of nursing, and was modified through reflections by researchers. The current classification of sectional editorship is not a permanent formula, so using various viewpoints in further examination is needed.

Content and Educational Needs for Fundamental Nursing Practice / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify content of Fundamental Nursing Practice (FNP) and the educational needs for nursing practice items in schools of nursing. METHODS: Participants were 81 professors who were teaching FNP and 166 clinical nurses. The research questionnaire included 148 practice items, which were selected by content analysis of 7 FNP textbooks. Data were collected from May 20 to July 27, 2011 and analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-test with SPSS 17.0. RESULTS: The research findings showed that : 1) the seven items included in the education content of all schools of nursing were putting on sterile gloves, checking radial pulse, checking blood pressure in the arm, Foley catheterization, injection preparation with ampule, intramuscular injection in the buttocks, and mixing intravenous fluid. Fifty items were included in the content in more than 80% of the schools. 2) Educational domains needing emphasis were medication, infection control, health assessment, oxygenation, urinary elimination, activity/positioning, and nutrition. There were significant differences in reported educational needs between professors and clinical nurses for 62.8% of practice items. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that standardization of FNP education contents using the findings of this study should lead to improvement in quality of FNP education.

Rewarming Intervention Program for Abdominal Surgery Patients / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify differences in three groups of operative patients (Forced Air Warming, Electrical Blanketrol, Control) for discomfort and pattern of body temperature during surgery and post operatively. METHODS: The sample consisted of 3 randomized 3 groups of abdominal surgery patients admitted to an university hospital in D-city : The Bair Hugger and upper body blanket were used with the first group, electrical blanketrol with PVC Film with the second, and the third group was the control. ANOVA was used with the WIN SPSS 17.0 program to analyze the data. RESULTS: Significant differences were found among the three groups for tympanic and esophageal body temperature at 1 hour after starting surgery. There was significant difference in tympanic body temperature during the 15 minute stay in the post anesthetic room. There were no significant differences in thermal discomfort while in the post anesthetic room. or There among the three groups for serum cortisol during surgery. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, application of a Bair Hugger or electrical blanketrol improves maintenance of body temperature of operative patients as well as body temperature of post operative patients, and is a clinically significant warming method providing a more consistent body temperature.

Development and Evaluation of an e-learning Blood-borne Infection Control Program for Nursing Students / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: To develop an e-learning blood-borne infection control program and to evaluate the effects of the program on risk perception, knowledge, preventive health behaviors related to blood-borne infections, and satisfaction with the program by nursing student. METHODS: The program was developed through the processes of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The pre-experimental research design involved a one group pretest-posttest design. The setting was two universities located in Daejeon, Korea. RESULTS: Using the program that was designed and developed, results for the total score of risk perception, knowledge, and preventive health behaviors in the post-test application were significantly higher than in the pre-test application (p<.05). Relevance and usefulness of the information received the highest ratings, while the system's design were demonstrated to have the lowest ratings. Those areas requiring correction were modified accordingly. CONCLUSION: Application of an e-learning blood-borne infection control program is effective, and can be expanded to other student nurses who also have a high risk of blood-borne infections.

Sleep Patterns and Circadian Types of Nursing Students during Shift Schedules

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate sleep habits, sleep disturbance, and circadian types, and to identify factors influencing sleep disturbance in nursing students. METHODS: Participants were 140 senior nursing students. The data were collected from May 19 to 27, 2008 using self-report questionnaires. RESULTS: 1) Evening type delayed sleep-wake schedules were more frequent than for morning type, especially during weekend and evening shift duty. 2) In total sleep time, there were no significant statistical differences between morning type and evening type during weekdays, weekend, day or evening shift duty. 3) On weekdays and day shift duty, the mean score for sleep disturbance was significantly higher in the evening type compared to the morning type. 4) Sleep disturbance in weekday and day shift duty was influenced by circadian types, eating habits, and gender. CONCLUSION: The circadian types are a very important factor for determining the sleep quantity and quality in nursing students.

A Study of Emergency Room Nurses' Burn-out, Nursing Performance, and Professional Identity / 산업간호학회지

This study was done to examine ER nurses' burn-out, as an understanding in the relationship of nursing performance and professional identity. The subjects of the study were nurses working in the emergency room of the general hospital with over 300 beds, located in D metropolitan city and C city. The self-report questionnaires were administered and 120 were collected. For the data analysis, SPSS WIN 12.0 was used. ER nurses' burn-out was 2.99, the mean of nursing performance was 3.69, and professional identity was 3.51. The extent of ER nurses' burn-out showed significantly negative correlation with the extent of nursing performance(r=-.257), along with professional identity(r=-.192). While ER nurses' nursing performance showed significantly positive correlation with professional identity(r=.696). In conclusion, the higher professional identity, the fewer ER nurses experienced burn-out, and the higher extent of nursing performance was obtained. It is necessary to create activities and programs to reduce and prevent burn-out.

Effects of Teaching Method using Standardized Patients on Nursing Competence in Subcutaneous Injection, Self-Directed Learning Readiness, and Problem Solving Ability

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of teaching method using Standardized Patients (SPs) on nursing competence, self-directed learning readiness, and problem solving ability-focusing on subcutaneous insulin injection. METHODS: This research was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized post-test design. The subjects consisted of 62 junior nursing students at E University. Scenarios to train SPs and checklists to evaluate the students' competence were developed by our research team. The experimental group (n=31) participated in the teaching class using SPs. The control group (n=31) received traditional practice education. The collected data were analyzed with descriptive analysis, chi-square/Fisher's exact test, t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Cronbach's alpha using SPSS WIN 14.0 Program. RESULTS: The mean scores of competence, self-directed learning readiness, and problem solving were significantly higher in the experimental group than the control group. CONCLUSION: As confirmed by this research findings, the teaching method using SPs was more effective than the traditional method to improve junior nursing students' competence, self-directed learning readiness, and problem solving. Therefore, It is necessary to develop a various of scenarios and to testify their effectiveness.

Comparison of Perceived Nursing Needs between Spinal Surgery Patients and Nurses Caring for Them / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of study was to compare perceived nursing needs between patients having spinal surgery and the nurses caring for them. METHOD: The participants were from three general hospitals, 71 patients who were having spinal surgery and 63 nurses. Data were collected from September 18 to November 17, 2006. Frequencies, mean, and t-test with the SPSS PC 14.0 program were used to analyze the collected data. RESULTS: The score for perceived nursing needs during pre-op care was significantly different between the patients and nurses (t= -2.515, p= .013). The perceived nursing needs did not show significant differences in scores of perceived nursing needs at post-op or discharge. CONCLUSION: The results provide primary data to improve the quality of nursing care, plan, and implement appropriate nursing care for patients undergoing spinal surgery.

The Effects of Self Foot Reflexology on Depression, Sleep and Low Back Pain in Community Dwelling Elderly Women / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of self foot reflexology on depression, sleep, and low back pain in elderly women. METHOD: The study was one group pre-posttest design. Data collection was done from December 2007 to January 2008 in D city. The participants were 47 women (65 years of age and over). After two weeks of reflexology education, the women did foot reflexology themselves for approximately 40 minutes, five times a week for four weeks. To verify the effects of foot reflexology, the scores for depression, sleep, and LBP were measured at baseline, after 4 weeks of self-treatment. Repeated measure ANOVA with the SPSS WIN 14.0 program were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: There were significant differences in depression, sleep, and LBP between baseline, after 4 weeks of self-treatment. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that self foot reflexology could be utilized as an effective nursing intervention for improving depression, sleep, and LBP in elderly women.

Falls Risk Factors of Inpatients

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for falls and to suggest data for developing a program for preventing falls. METHODS: This was a case-control study in five university hospitals and a general hospital. In total, 216 patients over the age of 18 yr admitted from January 1 to December 31, 2007 participated. One hundred eight patients with experience of falling were matched by gender, age level, diagnosis, and length of stay with 108 patents with no experience of falling admitted on the same unit. A quality assurance coordinator nurse in each hospital examined 35 fall risk factors developed by researchers. RESULTS: In acute hospitals, history of falls, orientation ability, dizziness or vertigo, general weakness, urination problems, transfer/mobility difficulty, walking dependency, impatience, benzodiazepines, diuretics, and vasodilators showed significance on adjusted-odds ratios for fall. Logistic regression analysis was performed to elucidate the factors that influence falls. The probability of falls was increased by dizziness/vertigo, general weakness, and impatience/agitation. CONCLUSION: This finding can be used as a useful resource in developing nursing intervention programs to predict and prevent the falls of inpatients.

Characteristics of Nursing Performance based on the Expertise among ICU Nurses / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this research was to describe how nurses in intensive care units (ICU) work. METHOD: A total of 18 ICU nurses participated in the research. The data was collected through individual in-depth interviews and analyzed by grounded theory method using NUDIST 4.0 software program. RESULTS: Three different patterns regarding nursing performance among ICU nurses were identified. These are 1) nursing performance of nurses who perform excellently, 2) nursing performance of nurses who do not perform well because of their lack of experience, and 3) nursing performance of nurses who do not perform well in spite of their good years of experience. These three different nursing performances were described in terms of seven different categories; 1) assessing and monitoring nursing problems, 2) clinical decision making, 3) interpersonal relationships, 4) holistic care, 5) technical skills, 6) problem solving, 7) working independently and creatively. This study also identified two intervening factors that influenced the advancement of their expertise. CONCLUSION: The results of this study might help nurse managers in developing continuing educational programs for inexperienced nurses or those nurses not performing well to become experts by a deeper understanding of the nature of nursing performance and the factors that influence nursing performance in ICU settings.

Expertise in ICU Nursing: A Qualitative Approach / 간호학회지

The purpose of this research was to uncover the expertise of ICU nursing in Korea, and to describe nurses' practice based on the degree of skill acquisition. A total of 18 ICU nurses participated in the study. The data was collected through individual in-depth interviews and it was managed using the NUDIST 4.0 software program. The data was analyzed using interpretive phenomenology suggested by Benner. Four properties of expertise of ICU nursing were identified. These are 1) concern and love toward patients; 2) knowledge; 3) skill, and 4) abilities in interpersonal relationships. And the characterisitcs of four levels of skill acquisition, that is advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert, were described with exemplars. The results of this study might help nurse researchers clarify and elaborate on the concept of expertise in ICU nursing, and enable them to understand how the process of skill acquisition occurs in the ICU setting. They might also help nurse managers establish educational goals for ICU nursing for student or novice nurses.