Analysis of Research Papers Published by Three Nursing Journals to Suggest the Direction of Journal of Korean Oncology Nursing

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the research papers published in three nursing journals to suggest the direction for Journal of Korean Oncology Nursing (JKON). Methods: To compare JKON with Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education and Cancer Nursing, all the research papers published in those three journals, 2010 were reviewed using an analysis criteria developed by the researchers, focusing on type of research, characteristics of authors and subjects, research design, data collection and analysis methods, sample size estimation, and ethical considerations regarding data collection. Results: JKON lacked research papers which were supported by research funds, produced by multidisciplinary teams, addressing cancer survivors or patients with metastatic cancers, and written in qualitative methodologies. However, JKON showed higher ratio of research papers than the other two journals which were adapted from thesis or dissertations, describing sample size estimation process precisely, and participating subjects diagnosed with various cancers. Conclusion: The study found out that JKON is presenting well the area of oncology nursing in Korea and also has several weak points that need to be improved. The study therefore suggested several recommendations for the JKON to take the professional and global leader roles.