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http://dx.doi.org/10.15434/kssh.2015.28.3.188

Schools' Response to MERS(MERS-CoV) Outbreak: Schools' Discretionary Response in Absence of Control Tower  

Lee, In Sook (College of Nursing, Seoul National University)
Yoon, Jae Hee (College of Nursing, Seoul National University)
Hong, Eun Joo (College of Nursing, Seoul National University)
Kim, Chae Yoon (Guryong Middle School)
Publication Information
Journal of the Korean Society of School Health / v.28, no.3, 2015 , pp. 188-199 More about this Journal
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to understand schools' response to infectious disease, perceived problems and suggestions, with regard to the 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea, in order to improve the infectious disease response system. Methods: Data were collected by focus group interviews with three groups composed of school health teachers, other teachers, and parents in Seoul-located schools. Results: The major theme was "Schools' Discretionary Response in the Absence of the Control Tower." Four major categories and 11 sub-categories were drawn from the findings. Four major categories were as follows: (a) Temperature monitoring caused lots of complaints, (b) Closure decisions were left at the discretion of schools, (c) Precautions are now being more emphasized, and (d) The support system were malfunctioning. Conclusion: The main areas to be improved are as follows: (1) School district offices should have an expanded role in infectious disease response and build cooperative partnerships with health authorities. (2) Preparedness for infectious disease should be strengthened. (3) Temperature monitoring systems should be improved, (4) Closure decisions should be made at a local community level. These are expected to help schools establish advanced infectious disease response systems.
Keywords
MERS; Infection coronavirus; Schools; Focus groups; Qualitative research;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 4  (Citation Analysis)
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