Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Research Papers

A qualitative exploration of acute stroke patients’ experiences with aphasia in Korea: Jiyeon Kang, Hyunyoung Heo; J Korean Acad Nurs 2025;55(4):621-633. Published online November 25, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.25132

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose
This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of patients with acute stroke-related aphasia within the Korean healthcare context.
Methods
A qualitative research design using inductive content analysis was employed, following the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines. Fourteen adults with acute stroke-related aphasia participated in one-on-one, in-depth interviews conducted between January and May 2025. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were analyzed using an inductive qualitative content analysis approach.
Results
Five main categories emerged: “suddenly trapped in silence” described the abrupt loss of language, including the inability to articulate intended words and understand others; “emotional impact” captured psychological shock and feelings of loss; “communication crisis” encompassed expressive difficulties, exclusion from decision-making, and social withdrawal; “patient-centered interaction” highlighted supportive communication, empathic care, and active engagement by others; and “emerging hope” reflected signs of recovery, self-directed efforts, and anticipation of improvement. These categories converged into the overarching theme, “communication beyond language,” illustrating how patients sought meaningful interaction despite linguistic limitations.
Conclusion
Acute aphasia extends beyond a language disorder to encompass profound emotional and social experiences. Although communication barriers exist, meaningful interaction remains possible through empathetic, person-centered approaches. Healthcare professionals should recognize that patients with aphasia retain cognitive competence despite expressive limitations. These findings underscore the need to integrate emotional sensitivity into clinical care and to develop training programs that enhance person-centered communication skills in stroke rehabilitation settings.

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The experiences of infertile women discontinuing in vitro fertilization treatment: a grounded theory approach: Eunmi Park, Yeoungsuk Song; J Korean Acad Nurs 2025;55(3):440-453. Published online August 11, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.25048

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose
This study aimed to develop a situation-specific theory by gaining an in-depth understanding of the deterrent processes experienced by infertile women who have discontinued in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, within the socio-cultural context of South Korea.
Methods
The participants were 16 infertile women who discontinued IVF procedures. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews from February to December 2023. Theoretical sampling was conducted, and the transcribed interview contents were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory method.
Results
In total, 37 concepts and 14 categories were extracted through the open coding process. The central phenomenon in axial coding was “Distress caused by the discontinuation of IVF treatment.” The core category was “A journey to break free from the identity of infertility toward self-determined womanhood.” The results were categorized into two types: “Detachment from the framework of attempting pregnancy” and “A continued longing for the fulfillment of a traditional family.” The situation-specific theory was the “Theory of reconstructing subjective identity through the acceptance of childfree life,” which illustrates how infertile women actively redefine their life trajectories after discontinuing IVF treatment.
Conclusion
This study highlights the importance of public perceptions about infertile women who discontinue IVF procedures, which are seen as the last resort of assisted reproductive technology, because positive perceptions assists women in living a self-governing life. It may be necessary to develop educational and promotional programs to change negative social perceptions and to establish a psycho-social support system for infertile women who have been deterred from IVF procedures.

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Life changes following trauma in female burn survivors: a narrative inquiry: Riah Kim, Inyoung Choe, Ji-Su Yun, Heeseung Choi; J Korean Acad Nurs 2025;55(3):425-439. Published online August 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.25003

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose
Burn survivors endure repeated exposure to intense pain and face recurring trauma throughout social adaptation. This study explored how female burn survivors construct the meaning of their traumatic experience of a burn accident and the subsequent changes in their lives.
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted using narrative inquiry. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, and each engaged in three in-depth interviews, resulting in a total of 21 interviews between April 18, 2024, and August 1, 2024. Each interview lasted 90 minutes on average and was conducted in a comfortable location preferred by the participants. The collected data were analyzed through Connelly and Clandinin’s approach.
Results
The participants were seven women with burns on the full body, face-upper limbs, or face-torso. All burns were third- to fourth-degree, and most participants had lived with these injuries for over 10 years. From the significant statements, five themes and 12 subthemes were extracted. The five themes were “unforeseen catastrophe,” “burn scars encroaching upon daily life,” “navigating life as an incomplete woman,” “exclusion from social integration,” and “the meaning of life deepened by suppressed pain.”
Conclusion
Female burn survivors experienced immense hardships following their accidents. However, through their recovery efforts, they found new meaning in life, experienced a renewed sense of being alive, and achieved inner growth and maturity. This study highlights the need for social support and underscores the importance of providing various opportunities and policy assistance for female burn survivors dealing with trauma.

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Successful aging among the elderly with mild cognitive impairment facing the crisis of old age: a grounded theory study: Haeyun Shin, Suhye Kwon; J Korean Acad Nurs 2025;55(2):301-316. Published online May 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.24114

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose
The purpose of this study was to understand experiences of successful aging experience in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Methods
The participants were 15 older adults with mild cognitive impairment who had experienced successful aging. Data were collected from January to October 2021 through individual deep, unstructured interviews. Data analysis was performed using Charmaz’s grounded theory method. In addition, the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist was used to ensure the quality of the study.
Results
The key category representing experiences of successful aging experience in older adults with mild cognitive impairment was “raising oneself up in the unsettling crisis of old age.” Four stages were derived: “feeling anguished due to the strange signals of memory,” “being shaken by fading memory,” “maintaining balance for a healthy old age,” and “recovering the composure of old age.”
Conclusion
Participants tried to successfully achieve aging while implementing their own plans and strategies in the midst of the challenges of old age, when the mind and body were unsettled by mild cognitive impairment. The results of this study provide a deep understanding of experiences of successful aging in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, potentially contributing to the development and implement of nursing intervention programs to promote the successful pursuit of aging in this population.

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A qualitative meta-synthesis of the essence of patient experiences of dialysis: Soyoung Jang, Eunyoung E. Suh, Yoonhee Seok; J Korean Acad Nurs 2025;55(1):119-136. Published online February 19, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.24102

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose
This study aimed to understand the experiences of dialysis and their meaning among patients with chronic kidney disease through a meta-synthesis of the existing literature. Since 2010, the prevalence of end-stage renal disease has doubled in South Korea, which has the sixth-highest incidence worldwide. Although most kidney disease patients undergo dialysis to attenuate disease-related symptoms and prolong their lives, the implications of dialysis on their lives, together with the role played by patients’ significant others, remain underexplored. Similarly, existing research has not considered both patients with hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Methods
In this meta-synthesis, seven electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, DBpia, KISS, and RISS) were searched for the terms “dialysis” and “qualitative.” Thirty qualitative studies were selected for examination.
Results
The overriding theme observed in the studies was “I do not have much time left.”–navigating the dual realities of one’s limited existence, while other key themes were: (1) the inevitable experience of the troubles of dialysis, (2) life is extended, but deteriorating in every aspect, (3) accepting dialysis with a positive outlook for life, and (4) essential support experienced in an exhausting life.
Conclusion
These findings are important for the design and delivery of practical and tailored nursing interventions to help patients overcome the various challenges related to dialysis treatment, and improve their quality of life.

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Experiences of Unmarried Women Undergoing Planned Oocyte Cryopreservation: Miok Kim, Kim Mingyoung; J Korean Acad Nurs 2024;54(4):577-593. Published online November 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.24064

Abstract PDF ePub

Purpose

The present study investigated the experiences of unmarried women undergoing planned oocyte cryopreservation (OC).

Methods

Data were collected from August 2022 to February 2023 through individual in-depth interviews with thirteen unmarried women undergoing planned OC. Data were analyzed using Colazzi’s phenomenological method.

Results

The findings revealed four distinct clusters. The first cluster, “Safeguards against Future Uncertainty,” examined experiences associated with uncertainties in several aspects of reproductive health threats and decision-making regarding planned OC. The second cluster, “Indescribable Pain and Chaos,” explored the psychological and physical pain, complications, concerns about repeat procedures, and uncertainties about the use of frozen oocytes experienced during the planned OC process and afterward. The third cluster, “Motivation to Rebuild Resilience,” explored participants’ resilience in overcoming difficulties and shocks during the planned OC process and regaining their inner strength through the support of family and friends. The fourth cluster, “Finally Freeing the Mind,” focused on the sense of liberation from the pressure of marriage and childbirth, which enabled participants to engage in their present self and concentrate on self-stability and growth in preparation for the future.

Conclusion

The present study enhances our understanding of the emotional difficulties and distress experienced by women considering OC, thereby assisting in improving approaches for psychological support and clinical management. Furthermore, providing insights into these first-hand experiences to women considering planned OC, healthcare professionals, and policymakers could help establish systems to support the decision-making process.

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The Experiences of Female Cancer Patients Undergoing Fertility Preservation: A Qualitative Study
Menekşe Nazlı Aker, Neslihan Yılmaz Sezer, Melek Hava Köprülü, Gülşah Kaya, Batuhan Özmen, Wenjun Mao
European Journal of Cancer Care.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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1 Crossref

Experiences of Patients and Their Families Receiving Medical Services Provided by Advanced Practice Nurses at Tertiary General Hospitals: Mi-Kyeong Jeon, Su Jung Choi, Ji Eun Han, Eun Kyung Kwon, Jeong Hee Park, Jeong Hye Kim; J Korean Acad Nurs 2024;54(4):594-606. Published online November 4, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.24069

Abstract PDF ePub

Purpose

This study aimed to understand and describe the experiences of patients and their families who have received medical services from advanced practice nurses in tertiary general hospitals in Korea.

Methods

Data were collected through four focus group interviews with 20 patients and their families who had received medical services from advanced practice nurses for more than six months at four tertiary hospitals from November 29 to December 28, 2023. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

The four themes extracted from the experiences of patients and their families were as follows: unfamiliar medical personnel encountered during the treatment process, healthcare professionals who exhibited excellence, companions to light my way through the tunnel of illness, and an advanced practice nurse system that must be activated urgently.

Conclusion

The study’s findings indicate that patients and their families view the care provided by advanced practice nurses as excellent, reliable, and holistic. Research suggests that advanced practice nurses are valuable healthcare professionals in team-based care. The findings suggest that hospitals should utilize an advanced practice nurse system to improve patient outcomes and ensure the quality of care.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Legislation of Medical Support Tasks in the Nursing Act as a Foundation for Nursing Professionalism and Role Expansion
Su Jung Choi
Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2025; 37(2): 69. CrossRef
Strategies for expanding the role of advanced practice providers in the Korean nursing workforce: a mixed-methods approach
Jeong Hye Kim, Mi-Kyeong Jeon, Suyoung Choi, Mimi Lee, Su Jung Choi
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2025; 55(4): 568. CrossRef
Nurses' Patient Care Experiences in a Changing Healthcare Environment Following One Year of Healthcare Policy Conflict - A Focus Group Interview
Eun Hee Kang, Yunhyung Kim, Jeong Hye Kim
Journal of Korean Association for Qualitative Research.2025; 10(3): 280. CrossRef

4,297 View
258 Download
1 Web of Science
3 Crossref

An Exploratory Study on Non-Contact Nursing Experiences of Clinical Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Hye Min Byun, Eun Kyoung Yun; J Korean Acad Nurs 2024;54(3):446-458. Published online August 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.24045

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