Priorities for nursing research in Korea

Area of Science:

• Nursing Research
• Health Services Research
• Korean Healthcare System

Background:

• Identifying research priorities is crucial for advancing nursing practice and patient outcomes.
• Previous research has not comprehensively addressed nursing research priorities in Korea.
• A structured approach is needed to synthesize the perspectives of nurses and experts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine and prioritize key areas for nursing research in Korea.
• To inform future research endeavors and resource allocation within the nursing field.
• To establish a foundation for evidence-based nursing practice and policy development.

Main Methods:

• A national Delphi survey was conducted with nurses in academic and clinical settings.
• Participants rated research problems based on nurses' lead role, contribution to the profession, and patient welfare.
• Expert panel review and keyword analysis of published nursing research articles were performed.

Main Results:

• Clinical nursing practice, nursing education, and nursing research were identified as common priority areas.
• Advanced practice nursing systems and nursing intervention development were top priorities in clinical practice.
• Cultural nursing, though rated low in the initial survey, was recognized as a priority by expert panels.

Conclusions:

• Priorities include advanced practice nursing, intervention development, clinical competency, and quality of care.
• Home health care, nursing education, research utilization, and geriatric nursing are also significant areas.
• International collaboration on common nursing research priorities is encouraged to advance the global nursing profession.