The Environment Encouraging COVID-19 Response at Public Health Centers and Future Challenges in Japan

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Tomoya Saito¹  Kyoko Koto-Shimada²  Akira Shibanuma²  Hiroko Okuda³  Eri Osawa⁴ 

[1] Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan;Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan;Department of Health Crisis Management, National Institute of Public Health, Saitama 351-0197, Japan;Department of International Health and Collaboration, National Institute of Public Health, Saitama 351-0197, Japan;

关键词: COVID-19;    public health center;    public health activity;    supportive environment;    challenge;    competency;   

DOI  :  10.3390/ijerph19063343

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered the implementation of public health measures globally. The health department of local governments has played a critical role in confronting COVID-19. In Japan, public health centers (PHCs) are focal points for COVID-19 response. Understanding the response to COVID-19 in local areas is critical to ensure adequate preparation for future emergencies. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to clarify how the COVID-19 operations by PHCs in Japan were managed and facilitated at the beginning of the infection spread, and their future challenges. We designed a case study that included two PHCs with a population of approximately 400,000 in Japan. Semi-structured focus group interviews with public health nurses from these two PHCs were conducted in September and October 2020. The data were analyzed using chronological time-series analysis. The switch to crisis response was encouraged by the business continuity plan. Their operations for the prevention of COVID-19 in the community were facilitated by the existing network. Further, strengthening the knowledge and skill regarding infectious disease control and management skills during infectious disease-related health emergencies were recommended. It is important to ensure that the environment facilitates emergency response and that people-and-community-centered health promotion activities are conducted, during an emergency situation, with more innovative action and leadership.

【 授权许可】

Unknown