Oriental Nursing Activity Perceived by Nurses, Doctors, and Patients in an Oriental Hospital

한방병원 간호사, 의사, 환자가 지각하는 한방간호업무

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the different concepts of oriental nursing as perceived by nurses, doctors, and patients in oriental hospitals. Method: A descriptive survey design was used for this study. Fifty-eight nurses, 26 doctors and 28 inpatients in 3 oriental hospitals were recruited from October to December 2002. The data were collected through a semi-structured open questionnaire. The data were analyzed by content analysis. Result: 1. The perceived concept of oriental nursing varied among the subjects. The nurses regard it as "a traditional nursing activity based on oriental philosophy" (60.3%), while the doctors viewed it as "a supplement to western nursing activity"(38.5%). For patients, the oriental nursing activity was considered as "a cordial form of nursing like that from a family member" (50.0%) and "an activity that doesn't differ so much from western nursing" (42.8%). 2. As for oriental nursing activities actually practiced, both the nurses and the doctors agreed that they carry out traditional oriental nursing activities such as explaining the treatment (taking oriental medicines, administering acupuncture etc.; nurses 96.6%, doctors 57.7%) and direct care like removing acupuncture needles (nurses 43.1%, doctors 34.6%). Patients replied that a western nursing activity is performed rather than an oriental nursing activity. 3. As for the required oriental nursing activity, nurses stated they apply traditional oriental methods such as CHUNA exercise therapy, moxibustion, cupping method etc. in their nursing practice. Doctors remarked that they try to understand the patients' state by approaching patients through an oriental way of thinking. Patients wish to get kindly care. 4. As a whole, 34.5% of nurses and 25.0% of patients have experienced little satisfaction from oriental nursing activity. Nurses found it valuable to carry out western nursing (39.3%), while patients found satisfaction in the use of a cordial attitude (39.9%). 5. Both nurses and doctors defined the first reason that oriental nursing activity cannot be performed more often was the lack of education in oriental nursing, and the absence of interest in oriental nursing. Conclusion: Nurses and doctors appreciate an oriental way of nursing, and think that this type of nursing activity has been carried out even though it may be infrequent. However this oriental nursing activity has won recognition from patients who view western nursing activity as being more important.