IWAMOTO MISAO

Purpose: We aimed to clarify the experiences of welfare managers in Japan in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight welfare managers as participants from seven welfare facilities in Japan. Thereafter, we performed qualitative descriptive analysis of their responses. Results: Thirty-six categories and 109 subcategories were extracted. The participants have steadfastly coped with the COVID-19 pandemic in their own welfare facilities despite the absence of medical staff and healthcare resources. Although the participants had multilayered anxieties and distress about COVID-19, they continued to provide uninterrupted support to service users and their families depending on the disabilities, while sharing information with the facility staff, reorganizing the work system, and organizing priorities for support. In addition to the existing relationships and measures within the facility, the interaction with the general public had an impact on service provision. In particular, cooperation with local medical services was essential. Conclusion: It appears to be important to share information, prioritize tasks, and take measures against infection and mental health within the organization in order to provide continuous support even in an emergency. Moreover, we consider it essential for welfare managers in Japan to collaborate with medical care to overcome to COVID-19 pandemic. Nursing support is crucially needed.