Abstract for: Trend Analysis of Unintended Consequences of COVID-19 Response Policies During the pandemic : A Focus on Nurses

The COVID-19 pandemic failed to predict prolonged duration and the discovery of variant viruses. Korea and Medical institutions proposed short-term policies to address the current situation. Policies were formulated without considering various scenarios, leading to unintended consequences. Phase1~2: The Step-by-Step Daily Recovery Policy, without considering R and MRC, has led to an increase in confirmed cases. Supply rate of nurses cannot keep up with rate of confirmed cases and critically ill patients, exacerbating the burnout of existing nurses. Phase3: G.W nurses were already experiencing burnout due to the prolonged impact of COVID-19, and the additional workload exacerbated intention of turnover. As the COVID-19 pandemic prolonged, the public perception began to consider nursing roles as something taken for granted, leading nurses to feel less valued. Additionally, despite the increased workload intensity, the expected compensation did not materialize. Phase 4: Even if nurses become infected, the activation of the BCP resulted in a reduced isolation period, leading to inadequate rest and forcing them to return to work. Policies considering possibility of protracted situations rather than short-term strategies will be necessary in future epidemic situations. This highlights the necessity for strategies and policies that take into account the diverse characteristics of infectious diseases.