Changes in the Infection Control Organization of General Hospitals and the Work of Infection Control Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

Background: This study investigates changes in infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses in healthcare institutions during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.It aims to provide evidence for preparing effective responses to future emerging infectious diseases.Methods: A survey was conducted from August 9 to 27, 2021, targeting infection control nurses working in infection control departments of general hospitals in South Korea with more than 100 beds.Results: A total of 118 (38.3%) healthcare institutions responded, and 113 questionnaires ultimately analyzed.Changes in infection control organizations observed during the COVID-19 pandemic included alterations in infection control department staffing (34.5%), work arrangements (92.0%),IT systems development (45.1%), facilities and equipment (92.9%), and systems for responding to emerging infectious diseases (99.1%).Over 50% of infection control tasks were performed either frequently or daily during the pandemic, with the most significant workload increase observed in epidemiological investigations (77.9%).The most challenging task for infection control nurses was establishing and operating epidemic management systems (82.3%).Among personal factors hindering their work, a sense of responsibility for their duties scored the highest (mean 4.73/5 points).The primary structural and environmental barrier was insufficient staffing (mean 4.36/5 points).The most critical need for improving infection control efforts was increased staffing in infection control departments and enhanced administrative support (mean 4.63/5 points). Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to infection control organizations and the roles of infection control nurses.Based on the lessons learned, healthcare institutions must systematically restructure infection control organizations and enhance the expertise of infection control nurses to respond effectively to future outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases.