PHWR Public Health Weekly Report

Vol.17 No.22, June 05, 2024 Article TypeOriginal ArticlesPolicy NotesPublic Health IssuesQuickStatsSurveillance Reports

• Original Articles 2024-06-05

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  A Study on the Job Analysis and Need Analysis about Job Related Competency of Epidemiological Investigation Officer

  Daeyeon Cho, Jhongyun Kim, Hyunjin Choi

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(22): 923-945 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.22.1

  

  

  Abstract

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  In this study, we aimed to perform a job analysis using the Developing A Curriculum (DACUM) process and a competency model for epidemiological investigation officers. A total of 12 duties and 107 tasks were identified using DACUM. The 12 duties derived from this initial analysis included monitoring and surveillance of infectious diseases, conducting epidemiological investigations, management of confirmed cases and contacts, evaluation and reporting of results, management of supporting personnel, technical guidance, training and education, conducting epidemiological research, implementation of infectious disease policies and projects, collaboration with relevant departments and organizations, prevention and follow-up measures, and development of criteria and methods for conducting investigations. A survey targeting epidemiological investigation officers revealed an average frequency of 2.62, an importance rating of 3.71, and a coronavirus disease 2019-specific implementation rate of 16.1%. Tasks intrinsic to the role of epidemiological investigation officers, such as monitoring and surveillance of infectious diseases, evaluation and reporting of results, and conducting investigations of infectious diseases, demonstrated high frequencies and importance levels. However, tasks related to the supportive management of epidemiological investigation personnel showed the lowest frequency and importance levels. Through competency modeling using interviews with epidemiological investigation officers and a Delphi survey, 8 competencies and 35 behavioral indicators were derived. The competency assessment revealed an overall high level of competency among the participants. These results indicate that epidemiological investigation officers are performing tasks beyond their own area, which should be reflected when setting job standards. Herein, we suggest practical implications that epidemiological investigation officers should take into consideration when developing a curriculum or establishing training courses to reflect the specific demands of each workplace, in addition to any shared competency demands.

• Surveillance Reports 2024-06-05

  0 96 46

  Inspection and Improvement of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection Management in Nursing Homes in Seosan City, 2023

  Ji-Ae Lim, Daehui Han, Dongkwon Choi, Yoo Ho Choi, Seung-Hee Jeong, Sang Ouk Woo, Oh-Hyun Cho

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(22): 946-961 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.22.2

  

  

  Abstract

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  In 2023, Seosan City and the Chungnam Center for Infectious Diseases Control and Prevention conducted onsite inspections of coronavirus disease 2 019 (COVID-19) infection management in nursing homes within Seosan City. These inspections spanned approximately six months, from March to September 2023, targeting 14 nursing facilities, with two visits each. The initial round of inspections (March 17 to April 24, 2023) assessed the current state of COVID-19 infection management at each facility and proposed necessary improvements. Upon request from the facilities, infection management training and practice were provided. The inspections utilized the COVID-19 prevention and response checklist (Ministry of Health and Welfare, 2021). Approximately 4–5 months later, the second round of inspections (August 1 to September 5, 2023) revisited the facilities using the same checklist to evaluate improvements in COVID-19 infection management and address deficiencies. The number of facilities with established COVID-19 response plans increased from three to nine following the initial and subsequent inspections. Improvements in designating personal protective equipment changing areas, establishing rapid treatment systems, preparing isolation rooms for potential COVID-19 patients, and separating the aisle and contaminated areas improved by 83.3%, 16.7%, and 16.7% respectively, compared to the first inspection. Ventilation in nursing facilities, relying solely on natural ventilation in 57.1% of cases, indicated the need for enhancements in air conditioning systems. Additionally, tailored infection management strategies that consider the characteristics of residents of the facility are necessary, particularly due to the low mask-wearing rate among residents (14.3% to 21.4%).

• Policy Notes 2024-06-05

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  Introduction to the Second Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan (2024–2028) toward Malaria Eliminatiion by 2030

  Seon-Young Lee, So-dam Lee, Se-kyong Oh, Seongwoo Park, Ji-Yeon Lee, Jonghee Kim

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(22): 962-979 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.22.3

  

  

  Abstract

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  In 2019, the Republic of Korea ( ROK) developed a national malaria re-elimination action plan as a priority country, designated by the World Health Organization for malaria elimination certification. In the first phase of the National Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan, efforts were made to increase early patient diagnosis and treatment rates. In 2019, the initiative included the introduction of rapid diagnostic kits under insurance coverage and the publication of the "Malaria Treatment Guidelines." Additionally, the introduction of insurance coverage for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase testing in 2020 and the promotion of cluster case monitoring have also been pursued. Domestic malaria cases peaked at 4,142 in 2000, but efforts aligned with the 2019 Action Plan resulted in a decrease to 356 and 274 cases in 2020 and 2021, respectively. However, cases subsequently increased to 382 and 673 by 2022 and 2023, respectively. Consequently, the second phase of the National Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan reflects the achievements and limitations of the first phase, proposing four implementation strategies, and ten key tasks for further advancement.
  The second phase of ROK’s Malaria Re-elimination Action Plan aims to accelerate domestic malaria elimination by 2030 by focusing on disrupting the transmission chain between patients and vectors. These efforts include implementing active surveillance, enhancing patient management, and improving vector control through scientific measures. Collaboration between government ministries, local authorities, and private medical institutions should be reinforced. The plan aims for zero malaria cases by 2028 and seeks to establish a national malaria elimination certification system.

• Public Health Issues 2024-06-05

  0 146 23

  Enactment of the Act on Injury Prevention and Control: A Step Toward a Healthy Future

  Jaejung Lee, Woncho Bae

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(22): 980-988 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.22.4

  

  

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  The Act on Injury Prevention and Control, newly enacted on January 23, 2024, will be implemented on January 24, 2025, to reduce the personal suffering and societal burden caused by injuries and promote public health. Through this legislation, a 5-year Comprehensive Injury Control Plan will be established and various injury control projects, including injury research projects, implemented. Moreover, with the establishment of Central and Regional Injury Control Centers and the launch of the National Injury Control Committee, a national-level injury control system will be developed. This legislative initiative is expected to enhance injury prevention and control by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, thereby improving public health and quality of life.

• QuickStats 2024-06-05

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  Trends in the Rate of Chewing Difficulties, 2013–2022

  Public Health Weekly Report 2024; 17(22): 989-990 https://doi.org/10.56786/PHWR.2024.17.22.5

  

  

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