Purpose: This study was conducted to assess the post-discharge experiences of caregiving mothers of pediatric patients with intestinal failure who were receiving home TPN treatment. Methods: This was a qualitative study utilizing Colaizzi’s phenomenological research method. The eight participants were mothers of pediatric outpatients from the short-gut syndrome clinic at a tertiary hospital in Seoul who were continuing home TPN treatment through a CVC. Data were collected from January to May 2022 through individual in-depth interviews, and analyzed. Results: Analysis of 127 meaningful statements from the mothers identified 12 themes and 36 sub-themes, organized into five categories: “Mixed emotions regarding hospital discharge”, “Problems after discharge”, “Stress in everyday life”, “Support from nurses and family members”, and “Looking to the future”. Conclusion: The study results provided insights into the meaning and value of the post-discharge experiences of mothers of pediatric patients with intestinal failure. These findings will be valuable in the development of interventions to provide education and other support measures for primary caregivers of children with intestinal failure.

Purpose: This study aimed to understand the in-depth experiences of infection control liaison staff (ICLS) in hospitals. Methods: This qualitative study applied Colaizzi’s phenomenological research method and targeted 12 healthcare workers in various occupations with experience as ICLS in the departments of a general tertiary hospital in Seoul and a general hospital in Gyeonggi-do. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews from February 21, 2022, to April 30, 2022, and data analysis was conducted in a circular structure based on Colaizzi’s phenomenological research method. Results: A total of 32 themes and 14 theme clusters were derived from 132 meaningful statements, resulting in six categories. The six categories are “A prepared mind to infection control”, “The initial burden weighing on one’s shoulders”, “Facing difficulties due to inadequate work support”, “Overcoming with cooperation and rewarding”, “The transformed patient and work environment in my journey of personal growth”, and “Finding support measures for ICLS”. Conclusion: The results of this study are, expected to help understand the meaning and value of ICLS in medical institution departments. Based on this, it will be possible to contribute to preparing primary interventions for education and capacity development, support measures, and system improvement for infection control personnel in medical institution departments.

Purpose: This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding by analyzing and exploring the work experience of infection control nurses (ICNs) in response to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Data were collected from 14 ICNs, (two in in-depth interviews and 12 in groups of six) from February 19, 2021, to March 20, 2021, and were analyzed according to the content. Results: In the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, ICNs took the lead in responding to infectious diseases, where they felt pressure in doing everything. In addition, they were confused by a lack of workforce and undetailed job plans. ICNs have been exhausted by insufficient support and system, such as the lack of support in the hospital, communication with health authorities, and difficulties with patients and visitors. However, ICNs settle with the help and encouragement of those around them. For example, pride in the work that only ICN can do, change in the cooperation of hospitals, and development of ICNs’ unique method of perseverance. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, ICNs experienced structural, physical, and mental difficulties at work. Nevertheless, the study found that a driving force enabled ICNs to endure, and that to efficiently respond to new infectious diseases in the future, it is necessary to secure ICNs and strengthen them.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the nurses’ experience of the side effects of COVID-19 vaccination and understand its meaning. Methods: This study was a qualitative study using the content analysis method. The data collection period using a focus group was from October 26, 2021 to January 23, 2022. Results: The themes included: “Pressure from mandatory COVID-19 vaccination”, “Feeling relieved because the side effects are mild”, “Severe vaccine side effects cause negative emotions”, “Tolerating side effects and coping personally”, “Confusion and alienation about insufficient coping of side effects”, “Feeling skeptical about the COVID-19 vaccination policy”, “Thinking about how to build trust in the COVID-19 vaccine”. Conclusion: In the future, it is considered important to establish scientific evidence through continuous monitoring and data collection of the side effects of COVID-19 vaccination and to build trust in vaccines through transparent information disclosure.

Purpose: We conducted phenomenological qualitative research to provide in depth understanding on infectious disease management. Methods: Participants were 10 nurses working in an isolation ward, where only patients with infectious diseases were institutionalized in one general hospital in Seoul. Data were collected through individual interviews and analyzed according to Colaizzi data analysis method. Results: The main theme of the experience of the nurses who worked in the isolated ward was ‘Nurse's sense of duty to overcome the fear of infection’. Through 83 meaningful re-statements and 13 themes, three sub-themes including ‘Unstable isolation ward’, ‘Taking care of infected patients’ and ‘Insufficient isolation patient care system’. Conclusion: Nurses, working in the new isolation ward, work in a lonely and dangerous environment having fear of infection, being lack of supplies and overcoming various psychological difficulties. In-depth understanding of these needs require efficient infection management policies, measures, and societal recognition.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a theory describing the experiences of psychosocial adjustment (process) among the recipients of pancreas transplantation in Korea. Methods: Data were collected by individual in-depth interviews with nine recipients of pancreas transplantation during 2010-2011. The data were transcribed and analyzed using grounded theory method to identify psychosocial adjustment process. Results: As a result of constant comparative analysis, "Pursuing ordinary life to free fromrestraints of diabetes" emerged as the core category. Five stages emerged: 1) Temporal liberation and satisfaction; 2) Disappointing with regrets and anger; 3) Facing up to the reality to be thankful; 4) Executing self-initiated management; and 5) Peaceful acceptance of reality as it is. "Excessive expectation" and "social support" are other categories that influenced the process. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that health professionals need to provide tailored and balanced information to recipients of pancreas transplantation both before and after the transplantation to relieve psychosocial distress after the transplantation.