Korean Nurses' Participation in Healthcare Policy Reform: A Phenomenological Study.

Han, NamKyung

AIM This study aimed to explore the healthcare policy reform activities of Korean nurses engaged in civic organizations. BACKGROUND Nursing professionals must lead healthcare policy reforms to create a healthcare environment that improves public health outcomes as the change in population and disease structure accelerates. METHODS Using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis, this study conducted in-depth interviews with seven Korean civic-activists nurses who had led successful healthcare policy reforms through policy interventions. RESULTS Five themes were identified and validated: recognition of social responsibilities and limitations faced; becoming a healthcare professional, social solidarity beyond nursing; political influence outside the political arena; and leading reform by entering the political arena. CONCLUSIONS Participants had the experience of exerting political influence and successfully leading health policy reforms through civic organizations and social solidarity to solve problems related to nursing. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT The findings of this study can inform educational curricula or interventional programs for enhancing general nurses' political competencies and policy interventions.