Analyzing Korean Public Health Centers' Infectious Disease Disaster Response Experiences with a Focus on Business...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Management
• Disaster Preparedness

Background:

• Public health centers are crucial for community well-being.
• Past infectious disease outbreaks, like COVID-19, have strained health center resources and operations.
• Effective strategies are needed to ensure health centers can maintain core functions during crises.

Purpose of the Study:

• To gather data for strategies aimed at maintaining health center core functions.
• To enable effective responses to emergency tasks during future infectious disease disasters.
• To inform policy and system improvements for public health emergency preparedness.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving 41 public health center workers in Seoul with prior COVID-19 response experience.
• Data collected through Focus Group Discussions.
• Content analysis using a deductive approach to analyze participant experiences.

Main Results:

• Analysis of experiences across ten categories (governance, HR, supplies, etc.) highlighted critical areas for improvement.
• Identified the imperative need for new systems and policies to address staff concerns and enhance epidemic response.
• Participant experiences underscore the challenges faced during infectious disease crises.

Conclusions:

• Health centers must establish mid- to long-term business continuity plans for operational stability during disasters.
• Health professionals emphasize the need for disaster preparedness education and training based on WHO's Business Continuity Planning.
• These measures are essential for sustaining routine health management for local residents during future epidemics.