Korean nurses' participation in health care policy reform: A phenomenological study

Aim To explore the health care policy reform activities of Korean nurses engaged in civic organisations. Background Nursing professionals must lead health care policy reforms to create a health care environment that improves the public health outcomes as the change in population and disease structure accelerates. Methods Using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis, this study conducted in-depth interviews with seven Korean civic activist nurses who had led successful health care policy reforms through policy interventions. Results Five themes were identified and validated: recognition of social responsibilities and limitations faced; becoming a health care professional; social solidarity beyond nursing; political influence outside the political arena; and leading reform by entering the political arena. Conclusion Participants had the experience of exerting political influence and successfully leading health care policy reforms through civic organisations and social solidarity to solve problems related to nursing. Implications for Nursing Management The findings of this study can inform educational curricula or interventional programmes for enhancing general nurses' political competencies and policy interventions.