Workload of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Korea: A Nationwide Survey
- Author:
Hae Suk CHEONG
1
;
Ki Tae KWON
;
Soyoon HWANG
;
Shin-Woo KIM
;
Hyun-Ha CHANG
;
Se Yoon PARK
;
Bongyoung KIM
;
Shinwon LEE
;
Jiho PARK
;
Sang Taek HEO
;
Won Sup OH
;
Yeonjae KIM
;
Kyung-Hwa PARK
;
Chang Kyung KANG
;
NamHee OH
;
Su Jin LIM
;
Seongcheol YUN
;
Ji Woong SON
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Journal of Korean Medical Science 2022;37(6):e49-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is ongoing, heavy workload of healthcare workers (HCWs) is a concern. This study investigated the workload of HCWs responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea.
Methods:A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 16 to October 15, 2020, involving 16 healthcare facilities (4 public medical centers, 12 tertiary-care hospitals) that provide treatment for COVID-19 patients.
Results:Public medical centers provided the majority (69.4%) of total hospital beds for COVID-19 patients (n = 611), on the other hand, tertiary care hospitals provided the majority (78.9%) of critical care beds (n = 57). The number of beds per doctor (median [IQR]) in public medical centers was higher than in tertiary care hospitals (20.2 [13.0, 29.4] versus 3.0 [1.3, 6.6], P = 0.006). Infectious Diseases physicians are mostly (80%) involved among attending physicians. The number of nurses per patient (median [interquartile range, IQR]) in tertiarycare hospitals was higher than in public medical centers (4.6 [3.4–5] vs. 1.1 [0.8–2.1], P =0.089). The median number of nurses per patient for COVID-19 patients was higher than the highest national standard in South Korea (3.8 vs. 2 for critical care). All participating healthcare facilities were also operating screening centers, for which a median of 2 doctors, 5 nurses, and 2 administrating staff were necessary.
Conclusion:As the severity of COVID-19 patients increases, the number of HCWs required increases. Because the workload of HCWs responding to the COVID-19 outbreak is much greater than other situations, a workforce management plan regarding this perspective is required to prevent burnout of HCWs.
