Current Status and Direction for Future Development of Evidence-based Nursing in Korea

국내 근거기반간호의 현황과 발전 방향

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the current status of evidence-based research, education, and practice, and to suggest a directions for the future development of evidence-based nursing. Methods: To examine the current status of evidence-based nursing research, experimental research among studies published in the Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing from 2008 to 2010 were analyzed. We suggested a direction for the future development of evidence-based research based on the analysis and literature reviews. We also suggested a direction for the future development of evidence-based education and practice based on literature reviews. Results: The results showed that designs and methods of studies were insufficient to use evidences derived from the studies in terms of evidence-based research, and experimental studies consistent with themes were found to be deficient. In the future, the methods and rationale for the design of experimental studies need to be clearer In addition, a test for intervention effects through repetitive studies and a connection between the intervention effects and a protocol for clinical practice will be required. In terms of evidence-based education, curriculum revision and development of teaching methods including contents related to evidence-based practice and research methodology in undergraduate and graduate programs will be required. Evidence-based practice in Korea was less actively done than with that of foreign countries. Some large hospitals have recently attempted systemic activities to promote evidence-based nursing practice in clinical settings. To activate evidence-based practice, the perception of nurses for evidence-based practice needs to be changed and support for education and administration of the program is required. Also, evidence-based practice guidelines, protocols, and assessment tools need to be developed. Conclusion: Evidence-based nursing in Korea is in the process of evolving. To realize evidence-based nursing, we need to develop nursing science based on evidences of closer communication and cooperation in terms of nursing research, education, and practice.