Improving Emerging Infectious Disease Control Based on the Experiences of South Korean Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Systematic Review

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative systematic review explored infection control by analyzing studies involving South Korean nurses who cared for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Considering the social and cultural differences between countries, it is necessary to understand the experiences of nurses in specific countries.Methods: Articles published between January 2020 (the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic) and April 2022 were considered by searching six electronic databases. Thirteen articles were included based on specific inclusion/ exclusion criteria. Results: Through a thematic synthesis, six themes reflecting barriers to ensuring quality patient care during an emerging infectious disease situation were identified: lack of information and education about emerging infectious diseases, limitations in nursing infrastructure and system, physical stress owing to excessive nursing workload, mental stress owing to extreme anxiety about an infection, skepticism due to inadequate compensation, and ethical dilemma. Themes 1~4, which South Korean nurses experienced, were similar to the experiences of nurses in other countries. Themes 5 and 6 reflect experiences specific to nurses in South Korea.Conclusion: To improve infection control against new infectious diseases, it is necessary to understand not only the similar experiences of nurses in all countries, but also experiences that are specific to each country’s cultural and social characteristics. Thus, a distinct policy approach is needed for each country in order to improve infection control measures.