Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing (한국농촌간호학회지)

Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing (한국농촌간호학회)
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Role of Nurse Practitioners in Rural Primary Care: Implications from Case Studies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK

농어촌 일차의료에서 전문간호사의 활용: 미국, 캐나다, 호주, 영국 사례의 시사점

  • 이경희 (수원대학교 간호학과 ) ;
  • 정애리 (을지대학교 간호학과 ) ;
  • 김영남 (강원도 고성군 아야진보건진료소 ) ;
  • 최현경 (광양시 보건소 )
  • Received : 2025.06.03
  • Accepted : 2025.06.18
  • Published : 2025.06.30
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Abstract

Purpose: This study explores the roles and scope of nursing practice in rural primary care across the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom using a qualitative comparative case study. The implications for the use of nursing professionals in rural Korea are derived. Methods: A qualitative comparative case study approach was employed to examine how each country has institutionalized NPs or advanced nurse practitioners (ANPs) as key providers of rural primary care, focusing on their legal authority, roles, and integration into health systems. Results: In the studied countries, NPs or ANPs function as autonomous primary care providers in underserved rural areas, with authority in diagnosis, prescribing, and chronic disease management. In contrast, although Korean rural nurses-especially community health practitioners-often perform similar functions, their roles are not legally recognized, lack a defined scope of practice, and do not grant advanced practice authority. Conclusion: This gap in Korea's healthcare system limits both the autonomy and sustainability of rural primary care services. Based on international comparisons, this study highlights the need for (1) legal recognition of advanced nursing roles, (2) development of NP employment incentives, and (3) enhancement of rural nursing education and training. Strengthening nursing-led primary care in rural and underserved areas could improve healthcare accessibility and equity. The findings offer a foundational perspective for reforming Korea's rural healthcare system and developing institutional policies for the expansion of nurse practitioners.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 한국농촌간호학회 씨앗연구비 지원을 받아 수행되었음.

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