J Korean Med Sci.  2025 Jan;40(3):e81. 10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e81.

Assessing Trainee Needs for Developing Response Scenarios and Training Manuals for Unknown Infectious Diseases: Insights From a Focus Group Interview

• Jang W
• Kim J
• Eom D
• Na Y
• Yoon C
• Park SY
• Kim B

• KMID: 2564228
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2025.40.e81

Abstract

This study employed focus group interviews (FGIs) to evaluate the preparedness and training requirements for an emerging infectious disease response system in the Republic of Korea. Based on the FGIs, the critical role of interdepartmental cooperation in responding to emerging infectious diseases was identified, with agencies such as public health centers, police, and fire services playing key roles in scene control, decontamination, and patient transport. Frequent staff turnover and a lack of trained personnel at local government levels were significant challenges, necessitating the development of training materials for unskilled workers. Civil complaints, common during outbreaks, require public officials to be educated on legal frameworks and the management of patients’ rights. The absence of standardized procedures for managing patients, such as bed assignments considering underlying conditions and sample collection, underscores the need for comprehensive guidelines. Interviewees emphasized cross-departmental training, detailed manuals, and legal education to improve infectious disease response capabilities.

Keyword

Communicable Diseases; Emerging; Quarantine; Focus Groups; Surveys and Questionnaires

Reference

1. Coker RJ, Hunter BM, Rudge JW, Liverani M, Hanvoravongchai P. Emerging infectious diseases in southeast Asia: regional challenges to control. Lancet. 2011; 377(9765):599–609. PMID: 21269678.

2. Jones KE, Patel NG, Levy MA, Storeygard A, Balk D, Gittleman JL, et al. Global trends in emerging infectious diseases. Nature. 2008; 451(7181):990–993. PMID: 18288193.

3. World Health Organization. Tutorials on the use of Annex 2 of the International Health Regulations (2005). Updated 2015. Accessed September 9, 2024. https://www.who.int/publications/m/item/tutorials-on-the-use-of-annex-2-of-the-international-health-regulations-(2005) .

4. World Health Organization. A practical guide for developing and conducting simulation exercises to test and validate pandemic influenza preparedness plans. Updated 2018. Accessed September 9, 2024. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/274298 .

5. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Training manual for Public Health and Response. Updated 2022. Accessed September 9, 2024. https://www.gidcc.or.kr/Fdata/bd_15/%EC%9E%90%EB%A3%8C%EC%A7%91(%ED%9B%88%EB%A0%A8%EC%83%9D%EC%9A%A9).pdf .

6. Kim HS, Ahn H, Kim J, Lee H. Results of crisis response training for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency in the Republic of Korea, 2022. Public Health Wkly Rep. 2023; 16:762–779.

7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public Health Emergency Preparedness operational readiness review guidance. Updated 2022. Accessed September 9, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/readiness/media/pdfs/CDC_PHEP-ORR-Guidance-March-2022_final508.pdf .

8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Public Health Emergency Preparedness and response capabilities: national standards for state, local, tribal, and territorial public health. Updated 2018. Accessed September 9, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/readiness/media/pdfs/CDC_PreparednesResponseCapabilities_October2018_Final_508.pdf .

9. National Ebola Training and Education Center. Beginners guide to NETEC exercise templates. Updated 2019. Accessed September 9, 2024. https://repository.netecweb.org/items/show/401 .