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

Author

Listed:
  • Eri Osawa

    (Department of International Health and Collaboration, National Institute of Public Health, Saitama 351-0197, Japan)

  • Hiroko Okuda

    (Department of Health Crisis Management, National Institute of Public Health, Saitama 351-0197, Japan)

  • Kyoko Koto-Shimada

    (Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan)

  • Akira Shibanuma

    (Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan)

  • Tomoya Saito

    (Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Eri Osawa & Hiroko Okuda & Kyoko Koto-Shimada & Akira Shibanuma & Tomoya Saito, 2022. "The Environment Encouraging COVID-19 Response at Public Health Centers and Future Challenges in Japan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3343-:d:769388
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Dutta, Anwesha & Fischer, Harry W., 2021. "The local governance of COVID-19: Disease prevention and social security in rural India," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
    2. Katarzyna Czabanowska & Ellen Kuhlmann, 2021. "Public health competences through the lens of the COVID‐19 pandemic: what matters for health workforce preparedness for global health emergencies," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 36(S1), pages 14-19, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tomohiro Ishimaru & Shoichi Shimizu & Ayaka Teshima & Koki Ibayashi & Mihoko Arikado & Yoko Tsurugi & Seiichiro Tateishi & Makoto Okawara, 2022. "The Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Health Emergency and Disaster in Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-13, November.

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