J Korean Oncol Nurs.  2011 Aug;11(2):155-162.

The Real Picture of the Care Costs Paid to Korean Oncology Advanced Practice Nurses

• Kim DS
• Kim SH
• Kim KS
• Jun MH
• Kim J
• Lee HJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to examine the actual care costs paid to Korean Oncology Advanced Practice Nurses (KOAPN).
METHODS
We collected data using a group discussion and questionnaire identified 115 tasks from job descriptions developed by the Korean Accreditation Board of Nursing. Forty-two KOAPN working at three university hospitals in Seoul were asked to evaluate each task as to type and whether the cost is paid or not. They were also asked to indicate the tasks in urgent need of development of a care cost with high priority.
RESULTS
Only five tasks (4.3%) related to treatment and complication related interventions or education were paid, and they were paid only once during the entire treatment period and were not covered by national health insurance. It was approved as a medical fee by health insurance review & assessment service. Furthermore, the names of the authority (doctor) and the actual provider (nurse) of the prescriptions were different for three of those tasks. Most of the suggested tasks needing development of care costs were actions specifically performed by nurses (physical-psychosocial-spiritual assessment, independent nursing interventions).
CONCLUSION
KOAPN are currently paid for few tasks. To maximize the utilization of KOAPN, the establishment of a clear rational payment system directly related to their actual activities is needed.

Keyword

Costs and cost analysis; Neoplasm; Nurse practitioner; Task performance and analysis

MeSH Terms

Accreditation
Costs and Cost Analysis
Fees, Medical
Hospitals, University
Humans
Insurance, Health
Job Description
National Health Programs
Nurse Practitioners
Prescriptions
Surveys and Questionnaires
Task Performance and Analysis

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