• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.84-97
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• 2009

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the job experiences of the medical aid client managers Method: The data were collected through an in-depth interview from twelve medical aid client managers. It was analyzed using the phenomenological method proposed by Colaizzi (1978). Their feedback was categorized into five items such as 'settlement in the unknown place,' 'exhaustion from work,' 'difficulties in dealing with people,' 'achievement of professionalism and accomplishment,' and 'vision on the new aspect.' Conclusion: Medical aid client managers played diverse roles and they had a role conflict due to unstable position amid feeling proud with new vision on their roles. The results of this study suggested that systematic development of job training programs and description on the duty are needed. Moreover, appropriate legal basis for the duty of medical aid client managers is to be established. Finally, based on this research, more acknowledgement from the Korean nursing society is needed for the new emerging professional job.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.146-154
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the degree of job stress and job satisfaction and the relationship between job stress and job satisfaction of Medical Aid Client Managers. Method: Data were collected from 185 Medical Aid Client Managers in 234 areas between April 2-15, 2007. Collected data was analyzed for the frequency, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's Correlation Coefficient etc. Results: The average score of job stress was 2.6. Job instability was highest as 2.9 and job autonomy was lowest as 2.2. in eight items. When the job stress of Medical Aid Client Managers was converted to 100 point, the average was 51.7 and ranked in upper 50% of Korean woman workers' job stress. Among the eight items, because the relationship satisfaction and the instability of duty regime ranked in upper 25% of Korean woman workers' job stress, those items were identified to have high stress. The average score of job satisfaction was 2.3 out 4.0 which could be interpreted as unsatisfactory. The correlation between the job stress and the job satisfaction demonstrated significant difference. Decrease of the job satisfaction was associated with increase of the job stress. In regard to the eight items, the inverse correlation was demonstrated to be significant in organization, inappropriate compensation, and workplace culture. Conclusion: Medical Aid Client Managers have high stress in carrying out their duties. They have experienced very severe instability in their duty regime. Also, they have felt alienated from their organization and experienced unfair rewards. They had low duty satisfaction but got a heavy workload and experienced overtime work. To relieve job overburden of Medical Aid Client Managers. it was necessary to improve business system and also was necessary to relieve a regional disparity of business charge.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.299-307
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to establish the standards for duty of Medical Care Client Managers and analyze the extent of accomplishment, importance, and difficulty according to the standards. Methods: The draft for duty of Medical Care Client Managers was formed by the method of developing a curriculum (DACUM) and data were collected from 185 Medical Aid Client Managers in 234 areas to evaluate the actual frequency of accomplishment, importance and difficulty in comparison with the standards for duties. Results: The standard duty draft for Medical Care Client Manager is composed of five separate groups of duties and thirty five tasks. The five duties are Case Management, Extension Approval, External Cause of Injury, Duplicate Claims and Other Administrations. Seven Tasks are allocated to each duty such as Case Management, Extension Approval and External Cause of Injury. Five tasks are allocated to 'Duplicate Claims' duty and nine tasks are allocated to 'Other Administrations' duty. Conclusion: From the results of analysis for duties, it was apprehensive about overburdened responsibilities and carelessness in professional duties. It was necessary to establish specific guidelines for duties because of redundent application or regional variation in frequency of accomplishing other administrative duties. It was necessary to relieve a regional disparity of business charge and also was necessary to propose an alternative plan to relieve the overburdened responsibilities.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.789-801
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• 2008

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a substantive theory of case management (CM) practice by investigating the experience of nurse case managers caring for Medical Aid enrollees in Korea. Methods: A total of 12 nurses were interviewed regarding their own experience in CM practice. Data were recorded and analyzed using grounded theory. Results: Empowerment was the core category of CM for Medical Aid enrollees. The case managers engaged in five phases as follows, phase of inquiring in advance, building a relationship with the client, giving the client critical mind, facilitating positive changes in the client's use of healthcare services, and maintaining relationship bonds. These phases moved gradually and were circular if necessary. Also, they were accelerated or slowed depending on factors including clients' characteristics, case managers' competency level, families' support level, and availability of community resources. Conclusion: This study helps understand what CM practice is and how nurses are performing this innovative CM role. It is recommended that nurse leaders and policy makers integrate empowerment as a core category and the five critical CM phases into future CM programs.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.5-12
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• 2013

Purpose: This research was a survey to ascertain whether there are differences in opinion about designated doctors and hospitals, type of health care service utilized and health behavior between people who have applied to be Medical Aid Beneficiaries, but not using the Designated Doctor System. Method: The participants were from three groups, application for two years, one year and non-appliers. Data collection was done by Medical Care Client Managers through in-depth interviews using a structured questionnaire. Results: The participants expressed no negative effect of the designated doctor system in relation to designated doctor, hospital or health behavior but there was a significant effect in type of health care service utilized. Conclusion: In the future, the commitment of Medical Care Client Managers is important, but the role of health care providers will be emphasized in order to sustain the effectiveness of the health care system under the Designated Doctor System.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.149-160
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explain the role transition process to nurse case managers (NCMs) for Medical-aid beneficiaries in Korea. Methods: Fourteen NCMs were interviewed regarding their experiences of becoming proficient in the new role of case manger. Data were analyzed through the application of grounded theory. Results: 'Taking root in a barren land' was the core category explaining the role transition process of NCMs. They engaged in four stages: launching, trial and error, proficiency, and wait-and-see stages. NCMs showed not only fear but also passion for case management practice. Despite their passion and effort, NCMs went through a period of trial and error. After becoming skilled, NCMs went through a stage of wait-and-see often because of job insecurity related to temporary position or few opportunities for promotion. Factors influencing NCMs' role transition process included their understanding of client characteristics, belief in case management, and support from their colleagues and families. Conclusion: NCMs experience many challenges in the process of becoming proficient NCMs. To help with their role transition, there is a need for education programs, preceptorship programs, research on their roles and functions, and regulation for securing NCMs' employment and career stability.