Community Health Nursing During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea: Consequences, Challenges, and Directions

J Community Health Nurs. 2023 Apr-Jun;40(2):79-93. doi: 10.1080/07370016.2022.2163850.

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the consequences, challenges, and future directions based on community health nurses' experiences during COVID-19.

Design: Qualitative study. Four focus group interviews were conducted with 27 community health nurses.

Findings: Three major themes emerged: 1) Coordination of roles and duties, 2) Identifying deterioration of patients' health and increasing demand for visits, and 3) Changing service delivery strategies: a testing ground for new services.

Conclusions: Community health nurses were essential public healthcare providers during the pandemic. The findings are informative for nurses and policy makers who can develop and suggest different services in the post-COVID era.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Community Health Nursing*
  • Humans
  • Nurses*
  • Pandemics
  • Qualitative Research
  • Republic of Korea / epidemiology